The Last Varangians - Song in Old Swedish
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2023
- Here is a somewhat ambitious song I wrote and performed in Late Old Swedish (yngre fornsvenska).
A slight disclaimer here: I am aware that the Varangian Guards are not known to have been present in 1453 when Constantinople fell - however, it is not an impossibility, as we know a great deal of foreigners were present, and the Varangians are mentioned as having been used as mercenaries during Manuel II Palaiologos's reign in 1404. I find it a little sad that they kind of drop out of history, so this is a quasi-hypothetical ending story for them. Conceivable or not, I hope you enjoy.
The art is called "Pillage and Plunder" by Atorot (www.deviantart.com/atorot/art...)
You can find me on Spotify under The Skaldic Bard.
If you'd like to support my work, you can do so here: www.buymeacoffee.com/theskald... (but really, no pressure!). Thank you for your kindness. - Розваги
![Varangian Guard: Brothers of the North Sea [Old English/Old Norse/Medieval Greek] | The Skaldic Bard](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KyAKL2_ix14/mqdefault.jpg)
![Varangian Guard: Brothers of the North Sea [Old English/Old Norse/Medieval Greek] | The Skaldic Bard](/img/tr.png)
![The Last Varangians [Song in Old Swedish] HD Remake | The Skaldic Bard](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xx7M90VdHto/mqdefault.jpg)
Here is a somewhat ambitious song I wrote and performed in Late Old Swedish (yngre fornsvenska).
A slight disclaimer here: I am aware that the Varangian Guards are not known to have been present in 1453 when Constantinople fell - however, it is not an impossibility, as we know a great deal of foreigners were present, and the Varangians are mentioned as having been used as mercenaries during Manuel II Palaiologos's reign in 1404. I find it a little sad that they kind of drop out of history, so this is a quasi-hypothetical ending story for them. Conceivable or not, I hope you enjoy.
I believe they stopped being a large part of the Roman Army after the 4th crusade but stayed as a sort of honorguard to the emperors so its not entirely impossible that some nord bois slapped a few turks entering the city.
slight clearer pronunciations and audio could be nice for the vids but everything else is great
Small question.... what is the difference between borgehna and borghenne? In Translation, both means City.
@@guydelusignan9561 Old Swedish was a case-governed language, meaning it took different inflections - "-ena" was the strong feminine accusative definite declension, while "-inne" was the strong feminine dative definite declension :-)
@@SkaldBard thanks. Thats... couöd be damn close to German.
Constantine XI: As my city falls, I shall fall with her!
Varangians: *New attribute unlocked “Go Berserk” is now available for special unit*
The city fell before guard
@@heyokasamurai45340 thousand years later: "The planet broke before the guard.."
ill give em credit where its due, they hurt Mehmeds forces harshly, and held his turkish forces back for a few hours before they began to fail. over 20,000+ men vs maybe 100 or so is impressive, im sure they made their fellow Varangian's proud and their Swedish/ Norwegian ancestors proud as well.
@@SovietOnion111 They joined Valhalla
@@SovietOnion111some time after hastings the odd english fled williams rule and followed some vikings on becoming varangians you never know maybe a tiny number of english decent could've been there during constantinoples fall
The praetorians were disbanded in disgrace while Rome was at its height, lost to honor, and principles. The Varangians stood by as the Empire reached it's final end, and the flame of rome was snuffed out forever... And they stood strong, loyal to the end as they died with it, certain in honor, and shields held high so that even if the accursed turks would rule as pretenders for the next five hundred years, there would not be a man in the west, who would forget that the true empire died there with the last Emperor of the Romans, and his guards from the north.
Gloria urbi aeternae et caesari
The fall of the Byzantine Empire was caused first and foremost by Greek entitlement, secondly by the greed and savagery of the Crusaders in the 4th Crusade. The Turks just brushed aside an empire which was in shambles.
@@aloptuleamagnificanton4983sad but true
@@aloptuleamagnificanton4983Roman, not Greek. Roman, not Byzantine… But overall you have a point that it was the arrongance of the East and the Greed of the latins, that destroyed the second rome…
@@morathi9956
It was exclusively Greek entitlement and their patronizing attitude towards all the other minorities in Constantinople (Vlachs, Bulgars, Serbs).
There was hardly anyone of pure Roman blood in Constantinople anymore. So you're totally wrong about that.
I really like the fact that you quoted Constantinos XI's last words in Greek.
He gave one of history's great speeches, had to be done
@@SkaldBard Agreed
Excellent work! May the souls of Constantinople's defenders rest in Heaven.
Didnt expect to see Reynauld here
also attackers
@@pattyguy barbarians dont rest in heaven. they sacked the capital of orthodoxy.
@@OrthoKarter Sacked? Stop lying, If we had sacked, Hagia Sophia wouldn’t exist, hell the Greeks wouldnt or they’d be assimilated! How are the pontus greeks able to speak greek? There are churches remaining in Istanbul, how many mosques are there in Greece?
the 373 recorded religious institutions, 321 were Christian churches, including 90 Greek Orthodox (75 in Istanbul), 55 Armenian (48 in Istanbul), 60 Assyrian, 3 Chaldean, 4 Bulgarian, 1 Arabic Orthodox, 53 Christian churches for foreigners, and 52 illegal Protestant Missionary churches.Aug
Mercenaries who stay and fight despite impossible odds, despite certain defeat, are not mercenaries. They truly are soldiers whose loyalty and fidelity goes to the country that employs them. They are an inspiration.
🍺To the Varagians!
🍺To the defenders and people of the Empire!
🍺To the Emperor!
And, also, a glass of arak to the braves amongst our enemies! 🍶
To the Praetorian Guard as well?
🥂🍻
@@lopakacooper1668
Why, of course. 🍺
It is surprisingly easy to get mercenaries to fight to the death. Simply make sure the contract reads
"Should participant in contract end up KIA payment goes directly to next of kin."
@@lopakacooper1668 Why? The Praetorian Guard assassinated more emperors than they defended
As a Greek myself i can only feel awe listening to this while reading the lyrics...its crazy to think that Constantinople (or Miklagarth) was once a crossroads for so many different cultures and people including the fearsome to even look at Scandinavians (as it is written in historical manuals) that comprised the Varangian guard probably the strongest armed force of the ancient Byzantine empire. Another amazing video in this absolutely amazing channel!!!
The Eastern roman Empire as not ancient, Infact it survived (arguably), into the Early Modern Era.
@@jakebranch2599 Survived for over 1000 years after the split
I don't know late old Swedish but it's impressive how similar it is to modern Swedish I understood most of the song even without the text. Great job
Tack!
Kom igen, vad hittar du för likhet med traditionella Svenska folkvisor?
DEn här låten är bra men den är "Hollywood Viking", inte Svensk. Vi grymtar inte i våra visor och har aldrig gjort det.
Vad snackar du om? Jag har inte sagt att den var lik svenska folkvisor. Allt jag sa att det var hur lätt man kunde förstå texten som en svensk
Den här låten är inte en svensk folkvisa.
@@Br1cht "Vi grymtar inte i våra visor" Varför grymta? Bara grisar grymtar. I låten sjunger de bara "uh ah".
Jag lär mig svenska, så förlåt min dåliga svenska. Jag är hälften tysk och jag älskar svenska språket
Very nice delineation between West and East Old Norse. So refreshing to see someone beside Jackson Crawford giving our cultural heritage genuine love and attention. ❤
Εξαιρετικό τραγούδι, χαιρετισμούς στους φίλους Σουηδούς από Ελλάδα 🇬🇷🇸🇪
Excellent song, greetings to our Swedish friends from Greece 🇬🇷🇸🇪
theloume norvigous oxi souidous gafto xasame😂
Varangians the Last Defenders of Rome Greetings to our brothers From 🇬🇷 we know we remember we Honor 😊
excepted, most of them were not nordic anymore at that time, mostly creatan or greeks.
@@Apaurie Creatans are greeks
Blessed be all the Defenders of Constantinople, Greeks, Venetians, Slavs ☦️✝️
Amen✝️☦️
As one of Northern European descent and an Orthodox Christian, this hits home. Memory Eternal, loyal Varangians, known only to God. ❤️☦️
This is a very epic sounding song to tell the tale of the Varangians!
Also, just imagine being an Ottoman having to fight tall towering Swedish mercenaries who declared loyalty and fidelity to the Emperor, that are clearly there to stay and stand guard over Constantinople till their last breath…
Thanks, good sir - and aye, truly a glorious legacy
@@SkaldBard Truly glorious indeed. It really gives off the Nordic perspective of the sacking of Constantinople. May the Varangian Guard and the people of Constantinople rest peacefully in Heaven…
Imagine beeing an ottoman, then seein a Norwegian viking king suddenly jump upon the battle field.. I mean dang, im surprised most of them didnt ditch the war when they saw vikings in byzantium.
@@Northy777. And even more scarier, they end up berserk, fueled by pure rage. 😨🥶
@@Northy777. I dunno, you'd think after the Timurids practically causing a civil war in the Ottoman State, they would've been used to it.
I wish I could re-like this video every time I rewatch it. Like-ing it once is really not enough!
Haha, thank you, my friend
This song is a good double feature to listen to along with "The Varangians" by Farya Faraji.
I am Pontic Greek much respect to our Viking friends
My greetings to you my friend. I am a Persian and Pontus kingdom is a common point between the two nations of Persia and Greece
My respect goes out to the the defenders of Constantinople, all of them. All of the northmen, Greeks, Venicians, Catalans, and English. In your last moments on earth, you helped the dying flame of Constantinople burn brighter.
God willing, one day mass will be held in the great church once again.
Spanish*
@@jaimemartin222 Castile and Leon, Spain did not exist as a unified kingdom at this time.
@@JustinMiller-mt2fp Spain existed before Al-Andalus. We just reconquered our land.
@@JustinMiller-mt2fp You mean "modern" Spain or Spain 2.0. But the first was with Third Council of Toled in 589 with the king Reccared I and the bishop St. Isidore of Seville.
Greetings from Greece!
What an amazing song
you crafted there!
This one was crazy, very powerful lyrics. I love the little nod towards Sweden with this one.
As a quite new subscriber to your channel, and a Swede I must say I love your music. Beautiful, and I can hear the “swedishness” of it all.
Awesome, great to have you!
I hear Hollywood Viking-esque stuff but Swedish, no.
How can you as a Swede have missed our Folksongs from before, do you get no schooling anymore, your parents?
This is a good song but it has literally no traditional Swedish connection at all besides the Nyckelharpa.
We never grunted in our music like a Hollywood producer has made you think. This song is more Afro inspired than Sweden.
@@Br1cht I have never said I thought this song was culturally or historically accurate, I only said I could actually hear the Swedish language. And no, we are not taught on true tradition and culture in our schools anymore, why would you even expect that from a liberal and progressive western country?
I myself don’t listen to African songs, so I can’t say that I agree with you, but our Swedish songs today are not from the Viking age, I don’t think they grunted in the Viking or Vendel music, but I don’t think it is very easy to make any song today to sound exactly like songs from almost 1000+ years ago.
@@Br1chtwhat afro do you dream? This sound like byzantine chant and Instruments, shut up pagan if you dont know what this is about
This is my new work out song, I can feel my swedish blood pumping with the strength of my ancestors.
Based
@secret0fsecrets739 One more time God and the Roman King will need your help.
A beautiful ballad. According to my DNA i am a descendent of a Varangian Warrior. I am just discovering these amazing Vikings.
☦️✝️🇻🇦⚜️
It could be a cook or something you know
@@Ages_of_domination depending on how he figured out he was specifically a descendant of such a man, its likely an actual warrior
@@Ages_of_domination i mean a Varangian cook still sounds utterly terrifyingly lmao
The western roman emperors could have only dreamed of soldiers as good and loyal as the Varangians
they had good troops and great generals loyal tho ehhhhhhhhhhh...........
The empire stand still for 1100 years because using quality soldiers for every part of it
This is really beautiful--thank you so much for your work! I can definitely imagine this as being possible, but whether or not it really happened that way, it's an inspiring story and inspiring song. As someone for whom Constantinople is near and dear, it brought tears to my eyes!
Whether it did happen or it did not, you gotta respect the Varangian Guard for their renowned loyalty and fidelity, not to mention the Varangians being seasoned warriors.
Fantastic! More of these old norse songs please!
As someone who’s interested in Old Swedish and its immediate successor Early Modern Swedish, this is amazing.
Gentlemen, lets free Constantinople 🎉 !
Turkey is still Anatolia under subjugation by Islamists.
@sylvainduret9880. Mysticism is the blood of every person.... if the prophecies of christian saints about the liberation of Constantinople could be called a kind of mysticism
If the war is coming to Sweden, this song should be played!
Good boost too increase the fighting spirit!
The now mythical Varaegergarde of our past but never forgotten Roman Empire, the tribute of Rus to Eastern Rome and the foundation of an eternal connection to the North
Brilliant.. 🖐️ from Serbia.
Wow just found this channel just gotta say what gems these videos truly are, great work keep it up!
Thanks a lot, my friend! Means a lot
more viking christan music please!
i love this stuff goes with my mount and blade playthrough beautifully
Some people say that the Varangians were the same with the Rus people.
@@Giorgos378 they were rus origginally then scandinavians came and lastly saxons
Excellent! Your level of creativity and infectious sense of melody and atmosphere is incredible.
Truly a empowering or invoking song of one’s ancestors…
After so many years and centuries Varangians were like greek brothers and defenders of the eastern roman empire and the emperor…..
Varangians truly were a monumental component, and ever lasting reminder, of the power and loyalty that elite guards were capable of
The medieval world may have been backwards in many ways but in just as many, it was ahead of its time
We need more VG banger songs like this bro... Great work tbh
One day we shall return, the banner of the Aquilla shall flutter in the winds,
Varangians is another name for Vikings living in Kievan state along the Dnipro river(modern day Ukraine). They also served in Byzantine, time to time. But also fought against it once.
I feel blessed that I stumbled upon this
Tack för denna! Greetings from Skåne in southmost Sweden
Varangians are the greatest example of "Never judge a book by it's cover". Sure, they were mercenaries from a land far beyond the borders of the Byzantine Empire, but they were more loyal than most Romans.
Were they Praetorians that stood by the Emperor's side as he fought for Constantinople? No. They were soldiers, although not Roman, with will stronger than the walls of the city and ready to die for the Emperor and his Roman Empire.
amazing work as always
Thanks, friend
Hope you're ready for an influx of views with the new For Honor hero coming out soon
I love this song so much, please make more like it. A suggestion might be something about Vinland? Leif Ericson was historically a Christian, something in the vein of his journey to and discovery of Vinland might be neat!
Yep, Leif is in the plans too! Cheers man, glad you like it
Leif Ericson was orthodox
@@margelatutrandafirulgalben3156 Orthodoxy is a sect of Christendom
Glory to the Guard from a Greek!!!!!!!!
I'm genuinely intrigued by this musical form. It is as if the spirit of many pasts are expressed and resurrected. Why are more not intrigued? Well, perhaps I should also ask what is gold without a search through the layers of the barren? Brighter shines the hidden gem.
A diamond in the rough, I’ll say!
Man you're way underrated
Thank you, friend
we want this in all its versions
phonk-techno-metal-slow
hail all varangians for greece.
Yup, going to learn the lyrics so that I may know them by heart now.
Superbly written and sung! Although I can't claim any of my Swedish ancestors adventured in what became the Ukraine or Constantinople, I can imagine with pride that, if the Varangian Guard had been present in May 1453, they would have died to a man defending the Emperor.
This was so good👏🤟
Powerful song! It really felt as if I was there during the fall of the city, with the last of the Varangians chanting around me, axes held high for one final stand.
Really cool song!🤜 Skål!
amazing song you have earned a subscriber
Amazing. Thanks.
There were many of my people there among the Varangioi, I am proud of them for their honour and loyalty.
Detta är väl bra gjort. Tack så mycket!
Ingen fara, tack!
I feel like this music gives me strength
Great work brother
Thank you, friend
i like to believe there were varangians there, they were there to the last when romanos iv was captured
I am a Danish Viking 🇩🇰 who lives in Ancyra! My ancestors emigrated to Constantinople, it really s*cks to live with turks! I Will Meet All My Scandinavian Brothers on My Own Land One Day! For Aryan-Nordic Blood!
As a Turk, I was very impressed by the song, it was as if I felt that period and heard the voice of the Varangians fighting for Constantinople.
Great music,dude !!
Thanks, friend!
This song is amazing.
I’m a Turk but that’s some epic stuff right here
This inspired me to draw a picture of Varangians.
I love this song.
Incredible good!
It sounds like two songs combined.
Very nice, thanks from Norse France 🤝🏻🇨🇵
Frankish? I’d presume?
@@lopakacooper1668More like Normandy, I'd gather.
@@stoneg.barrow9991yes I'm from Normandy
@@lopakacooper1668 Yes
WE FALL WITH BRUDER IN ARMS MEIN KOMARADEN FOR THE HOLY CAUSE
Swedes were also the Rus', the last remaining true Rus' of the Viking age🇸🇪
For anyone ho is new here,this was number 1 on this chanal.
You know i really wanna know where to even learn these kind of languages in the first place. Like i know theres a Discord server for old English and probably some groups of people who teach it but i’ve never found anything for Norse/Old Swedish.
Interesting to notice that so many words of old Swedish are so similar to modern-day German and English.
Some are not that old, but borrowings
Yeah, because Swedes, Germans and Anglo saxons are related to each other by ethnicity
Dare I say I prefer this raw, faster, original version to the more polished remake??
Based and beautiful.
Thank you for the song my friend, I have been enjoying it for some time now.
Very nice voice, tone, lyrics, I would love if it were a bit more clear? It kinda sounds as if it was recorded in older times.
Great job nonetheless!
Thanks, friend. I do need to invest in some actual recording equipment!
Αφού πέφτει η πόλη μου, θα πέσω κι εγώ μαζί τηε
Mycket bra!!!!!
As a german i think its very intresting that i can understand some words
becouse swedish is a germanic langauge
Thanks nice to now👍
Your songs sound so good, which programms are u exactly using and are is it your voice alone or are there more people behind it?
Hey, thanks! I just use an app called BandLab, and everything you hear is me (bouzouki, all the voices etc). Thanks for the support!
@@SkaldBard Just keep up your work. You Inspired me to work on a Silesian folk song ;)
@@silesianpatriot. awesome, subbed ;-)
I wouldn't let no one around my family that was like that when i was growing up
With this One we are getting out of the siege of Constantipole 🗣️🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥
Now really,this hit harder than the Mehemed cannon
All haip t'ho the varangians
The part of Wi aerom wæriare sounds like an Hepirus song
Think you could make an old Swedish version of Turias "The March of the Varangian Guard"?
You have a lot of Orthodox Christian references in your songs between the Varangians to old Norse Hymns. Are you an Orthodox Christian?
Hey there, I'm actually Catholic, only I have a real soft spot for the Orthodox/eastern tradition and aesthetics
@@SkaldBard Greetings from an Orthodox Greek-Romanian!
Γειά σου!
@@SkaldBard You should dive a little deeper into the Orthodox faith. From your music, you seem to be someone who values loftiness and glory. Once you realize how different the Orthodox understanding is from the Roman Catholic one, of what God intends for us to be and what we really mean to Him, I don't think you will be able to go back! ;)
@@damianrobinson4895Theosis, right? I know Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism teaches it too. I'm on the fence between Eastern Catholicism and East Orthodoxy. Kyrie Eleison!
May God remember the defenders of Constantinople! Rest in Eternal Glory! May that City once more become Christian and may the Muslims flee from there! Amen.
🇬🇷❤🇧🇻🇩🇰🇫🇮🇸🇪
Oh boy, the Byzantines are back…
As a Swede I can’t really understand a word but it sounds kind of similar to Icelandic
REMEMBER THE SWEWDISH GUARDS OF CRISTIANTIY
Dis shit is fire! No puns atended
varangian still exist during fall of constantinople?
Probably not, but possibly!
Yes, of course. They were the personal guard of the emperor.
Ek ꝼugir þæt... Miklagarðr, Gardaiki
All hail Sveden
As a greek girl who lives in Constantinople ,i feel disappointed tbh "we will not simply give up the city" :( but you all did... (maybe not simply)
Tbh, I don’t think they gave up the city, but merely died *defending* it…
I am not Swedish but I had the occasion to hear a lot of Swedish and I have never heard this "w" pronounciation in Swedish. Is there any Swede here who can tell me if this pronounciation still exists nowadays ?
It's now "v" in Rikssvenska but certain dialects like Elfdalian retain the "w"
Honestly I spoke this naturally my dad got drunk and popped m3 on my left and right side of My ears knocked all my primitive hearing off my mom got mad at him ever since
It is a pity that many people forget that the Slavs also went to the Varangians.
slight clearer pronunciations and audio could be nice for the vids but everything else is great
-Other commentor
Good that your stuff sounds natural, keep the same style but maybe see if you can get clearer recordings more than changing the nature of the music per say