Thank you @johnytwo for suggesting that I eventually check out Wardruna. This turned out to be a pretty cool discovery, given that I found the performance where they feature Aurora, whom I also recently discovered. This was rather an odd experience, but very soothing, which in itself is also a bit of an oddity - in line with what I'm used to by now from Aurora. So, thanks again!
Oh, did I suggest it? That is great and dubble pleasure :) But anyways. Yes, it is a funeral song, but there are friends accompanying you to the afterworld, so it is nice. Sad but comforting. At least you are not dying alone and blind. You know where you are going.
Some of the comments after the reaction really helped and have been very useful for deeper understanding. I very much enjoy learning more than I instinctively feel or expanding my own general knowledge. Thanks for adding to that.
Thank you so much! I try to ensure I do not disrespect any artist or even worse an entire culture by frivolous and reckless behavior. I am aware that my knowledge on this topic is not very deep, but what I do know helped me understand this performance and show it due respect as much as possible. Kind of you to notice, so thank you again!
Wow. GREAT reaction, Aleks. I am super happy that you found this performance while searching for Wardruna. I was somewhat puzzled if someone had recommended THIS performance as a part of your Aurora journey so to speak. There would have been nothing wrong in that per se, but this is a very special performance, even though Aurora is extremely diverse. All that aside, I am super impressed yet again by your way of homing in on a totally new song (to you) like this one. I have probably watched 100+ reactions to it, and I have to rank your reaction WAY up there among the very best I have seen. Here's to hoping that Wardruna and Aurora fans alike come forward and leave you a like and a comment 😉 Take care, Aleks! Much love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥
Thank you ever sooooo much! I am exceptionally glad that I have not let the Scandinavians down. I'm sure you know more about this performance than I ever could and more importantly that you feel it deeper than someone with a different background. Regardless, it did speak to me and I especially love the soothing effect it has, given the topic. Much love to Norway, dear friend! ❤❤❤
Great reaction to this great piece of music. You are right about hell..it's not a punischment..It's just the way to another world. The concept of hell as many of us know it came with the christians long after ancient nordic mytologi. This is wonderful music. Cheers from a finn in Sweden
Oh, it's been a while! Glad to hear such praise from a man from not one, but two Viking countries. 😊 I may have forgotten a lot about mythology, but I'm glad I've not completely lost my memory. This was a great performance - loved it!
Great song. I especially love the Aurora starting part and transition into stronger sounds and singer voice. I also love the harmonies between them (rest of the song). The horn parts is also cool :). Generally I always liked this vibes (more primal and a little hypnotic in such kind of music). Setting is very atmospheric. I like this mythology references. I am not very familial with it although I know basic concepts. That is why I loved also more detailed comments under your reaction as they are very interesting:).
Yes on everything you said in the first paragraph, but an even bigger yes on more detailed comments under the reaction - that was really very interesting to read. I guess I did not expect to get as much as I did from both the song and the comments. I'm very grateful for those, for real.
2:38 Valfader's (Warrior-father's = Odin's) pledge is a "kenning" (sort of euphemism) for the eye that Odin traded for his wisdom. 3:15 More like old-fashioned modern Norwegian. He have used some old techniques, phrases and references, but the lyrics are new, except for the last two a capella verses, that are direct quotes from Hávamál in Old Norse. For instance: "I know it all, Odin" is typical Edda-poetic phrasing. 6:35 It's a Birch Bark Lur or Birch trumpet. The word "Hel" probably meant covered/hidden in proto-indo-european and probably existed as a description for the afterlife, before most of the other mythological histories and figures we know were created. These modern concepts were more about recording history, providing education and political affiliations, while there was probably all along a recognition that we don't really know what lies behind. So in this perspective, Valhalla is just a part of Hel (mystically speaking); while mythologically, it is somewhat separate, but connected. The Valkyries chose the warriors to come to Åsgard and Frøya took half while Odin got the rest. Valkyries are Diser (and Frøya their "chief"), who are god-like, ghosts or spirits, often female, usually unnamed, which probably were the mystical basis for people's beliefs from long before they dared name Gods and long into Christianity.
Thank you so much! I was wondering about the eye of Odin, could not remember that part. Thank you also for explaining the language. I really wasn't sure on that one. I know the myths are somewhat malleable depending on the source, but I would assume that a Norwegian would know more than the rest of us do. You probably have family stories aside from the books the rest of us get the chance to read. Funnily enough, I also wondered if Valhalla is a part of Hel or separate, but I believe I read about it being a separate realm. Interesting that both options are possible. All this is very much appreciated. Thank you kindly for sharing it! Makes the impact of the song even better! ❤
What a great performance !! It seems like an ancient Viking dirge or prayer for the dead. Fantastic staging and wardrobe really capture the essence of Nordic culture. Aurora looks exceptional in that white birdlike outfit.
Yes, indeed! ❤ As I mentioned at the end of the video it was a privilege to watch. Can't understand why anyone would have their phone out during this performance...
I very much agree on that. Never could and never will understand it... Especially since a moment is not really possible to record - who can record their own emotion...
...its older than what is caled the Viking age ( Odin and his gang are newer than the Godess Hel and Freya.. ) Tha Chistians wiped out most of the female Divine ... Remeber that the word viking is a verb, not the name of a tribe or a surtne kind of people... they went in viking..
Hi, Aleks. Great reaction. And, yup, this has a “calming” vibe. Sounds like some sort of “mantra” I’m no expert or whatsoever, but it sure sounded a bit “medieval” to me. Don’t ask me why, but it reminded a bit of a band that I really love “Blackmore’s Night”. Only much more sinister. Anyway, I liked it. And it’s nice to see you reacting to Aurora again, you know, we’re really discovering her together. I’m even trying to avoid listening to other songs of her, just to enjoy the experience “with you”. 😂 At least, now I know the burden of being a “reactor”. 🤗
Thank you so much, dear Raquel! I believe this goes further back than medieval, but I'm not an expert either. I'm thinking something before the 10th century even. Then again, I could be very wrong. 😊 You don't have to go though the pain and anguish of a reactor. I plan to turn to her new album that came out this year, so maybe listen to it in advance and then see if we match. 😉 We need to have a "painless" plan in place, at least for you. 😂 I know Blackmore’s Night is not really a request, but I wrote it down for future inspiration. Turns out we seem to like the same stuff... Might as well have it on there in case I'm out of ideas. Not to worry, I have Lara planned again for next week, I have not forgotten her at all. Just mixing it up a bit. ❤
@@AleksReacts If you don’t know them already, I guess it’s quite possible that you’ll enjoy. It’s a Brit folk rock band by Ritchie Blackmore (The Deep Purple’s lead guitarrist) and Candice Night. I really love them. Try “Home Again”, “Under a Violet Moon” and “Wish You Were Here”… Yes, my mother made me love Lara Fabian and my father made me a Deep Purple and Blackmore’s Night fan… 🙌🏻
Tastes can seem eclectic and not be. I honestly think it's just good music vs. bad, so I've had multiple influences and still love whatever genre as long as the music was good.
Lovely and openminded reaction if I may say so. The realms after death: For these who die in battle 1/ Valhall (not Valhalla as the english phrase says) where the famous aesir gods reside and 2 / Folkvangr where the vanir ( Frey and Freya ) reside. People who "die in bed" have a lot of destinations, among them Hel governed by the feminine deity Hel (Yes it is confusing). It is a cold place and the path to it is even colder. If you have survived a nordic winter you know that cold is always worse than warm :-) . The path is also dark so the wanderers have to be led by singing voices, and therefore an norse funeral is a lot of singing. The dead are led till all bands can be broken, which happens at the very end of the singing part. The comes drums and then some wisdom from Havamal (Corresponding to the book of Proverbs in the bible)
Thank you kindly! More importantly you've helped even more with explanations, especially the cold and the singing that I thought had a different role. Folkvangr I completely forgot about, though I well remember Freya and a refresher course along with completely new information is never a bad idea. So much one can learn from something seemingly so mundane as music reactions. ❤ Thank you again for everything!
EXCELLENT reaction! Since you are going down this "rabbit hole", I would suggest Heilung and their song "Anoana". Both music video version and live version (different vibes, same song)
I believe Aurora dressed in white is to depict the White Raven that represents the beginning of the end. Just an observation. I'm a new subscriber and enjoy your reactions and perspective. Ok have to go now and chase a demented squirrel off my tomato plants.
Thank you for that one - it makes sense really. Thank you also for the compliment and most of all for the squirrel. May you catch it and save the tomatoes. 😂😂😂
Our English word Hell originates from the Germanic realm of the dead, Hel. It was used in early translations of Christian works. Hell appears no where in the bible, the original words used were Sheol, Tartarus, Gehenna, and Hades. Hell was the translation as English is also a Germanic language and the Anglo Saxons were Germanic polytheists. Hel had no negative torture dynamics, it was simply the realm of the dead. Often it was placed in Niflheim or required passage through Niflheim, the Realm of Ice and mist (what I think Aurora is mentioning about being cold)
Aleks, as noted this song is Einar Selvik's (the male vocalist from Wardruna) interpretation of the pre-Christian Norse belief in honoring those who pass before us, our ancestors & loved ones......."Helvegen" is the road to Hel (NOT the Christian concept of Hell, more like a purgatory or place on the journey to the final afterlife)....Einar & Aurora tell the story in such a beautiful performance that tears come to the eyes and, at the same time, joy captures the heart.....thanks for reacting ! By the way, I think Valhalla was reserved for those Norse who died in battle, in other words, for "heroes".
Thank you, Larry! It seems there are many interpretations of Hel and Valhalla, as is common with old mythology, but like you I thought Valhalla was reserved for heroes. This one (like Diana's Rechenka) brought so many different stories to the comment section. That is what I really find rewarding about doing reactions in the first place - learning more about cultures I know superficially or not at all.
@@AleksReacts I, for one, am glad you decided to pursue your channel.....l, too, find musical performance to be a "window" to understanding peoples & cultures with which we are not familiar, whether ancient or modern.......
Thank you so much! Your comments really are very much appreciated. You'll notice in time the channel seems to attract people who are both open and cortical thinkers. Personally, I liked it when I started, now it's a place to enjoy as if these aren't even my reactions, just people discussing music, culture, emotions and other serious topics.
I don't know if I like old Norse and antique music, really. This is the first I've properly listened to. Still, I've added Heilung, I never know when I might be inspired to hear more. Aurora is definitely planned though. 😊 Maybe, I'll ease myself into Nordic music bit by bit.
Greetings from Scotland! Hi Aleks. I agree, it is a strange thing to be sitting at a live concert, but spend your time glued to a phone screen while recording the LIVE event! If it is intended for your enjoyment later, why not enjoy the full live experience now? It must detract from your full enjoyment, surely? Each to their own I guess. Anyway, a powerful song, performed well, but not my thing. I still think Aurora is incredible as a singer/performer though! 😊😊
Hello again, infamous friend! ❤ Not sure if I'd go for this on a daily basis, but it did very nicely lull me into a trance. This really was a performance to remember (unless one was behind a phone 😂).
@@AleksReacts Yeah, just weird eh? If I had a chance to see either Aurora or Diana A. live, I would try to get time to slow down for the performance and leave my phone at home! 😂😂
@@AleksReacts Hmmm, just thought, IF I were actually there live I MAY just get "transported" to another place anyway, as often happens when I listen to both of them! SO, perhaps THAT is their way of having a record of the event? Sorry Aleks, it's been a long and very wet day here! 😂😂
Thank you @johnytwo for suggesting that I eventually check out Wardruna. This turned out to be a pretty cool discovery, given that I found the performance where they feature Aurora, whom I also recently discovered. This was rather an odd experience, but very soothing, which in itself is also a bit of an oddity - in line with what I'm used to by now from Aurora. So, thanks again!
Oh, did I suggest it? That is great and dubble pleasure :) But anyways. Yes, it is a funeral song, but there are friends accompanying you to the afterworld, so it is nice. Sad but comforting. At least you are not dying alone and blind. You know where you are going.
Well, Aurora's first album is named All My Deamons Greeting Me as a Friend. That is quite soothing as well :)
I think you understood this song perfectly. Yes. you go to Valhall if you die in battle, but what about all the other ones, this is the song for them.
Some of the comments after the reaction really helped and have been very useful for deeper understanding. I very much enjoy learning more than I instinctively feel or expanding my own general knowledge. Thanks for adding to that.
Best reaction to this performance so far. „Educated“ and wise.
Thank you so much! I try to ensure I do not disrespect any artist or even worse an entire culture by frivolous and reckless behavior. I am aware that my knowledge on this topic is not very deep, but what I do know helped me understand this performance and show it due respect as much as possible. Kind of you to notice, so thank you again!
Wow. GREAT reaction, Aleks. I am super happy that you found this performance while searching for Wardruna. I was somewhat puzzled if someone had recommended THIS performance as a part of your Aurora journey so to speak. There would have been nothing wrong in that per se, but this is a very special performance, even though Aurora is extremely diverse.
All that aside, I am super impressed yet again by your way of homing in on a totally new song (to you) like this one. I have probably watched 100+ reactions to it, and I have to rank your reaction WAY up there among the very best I have seen. Here's to hoping that Wardruna and Aurora fans alike come forward and leave you a like and a comment 😉
Take care, Aleks! Much love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥
Thank you ever sooooo much! I am exceptionally glad that I have not let the Scandinavians down. I'm sure you know more about this performance than I ever could and more importantly that you feel it deeper than someone with a different background. Regardless, it did speak to me and I especially love the soothing effect it has, given the topic. Much love to Norway, dear friend! ❤❤❤
@@AleksReacts ♥♥♥
Love Aurora ❤
Hope you enjoyed this reaction as well. 🙂
Great reaction to this great piece of music. You are right about hell..it's not a punischment..It's just the way to another world. The concept of hell as many of us know it came with the christians long after ancient nordic mytologi. This is wonderful music. Cheers from a finn in Sweden
Oh, it's been a while! Glad to hear such praise from a man from not one, but two Viking countries. 😊 I may have forgotten a lot about mythology, but I'm glad I've not completely lost my memory. This was a great performance - loved it!
Terve / Tjäna !! Greetings from a Norwegian 🤝
Great song. I especially love the Aurora starting part and transition into stronger sounds and singer voice. I also love the harmonies between them (rest of the song). The horn parts is also cool :). Generally I always liked this vibes (more primal and a little hypnotic in such kind of music).
Setting is very atmospheric. I like this mythology references. I am not very familial with it although I know basic concepts. That is why I loved also more detailed comments under your reaction as they are very interesting:).
Yes on everything you said in the first paragraph, but an even bigger yes on more detailed comments under the reaction - that was really very interesting to read. I guess I did not expect to get as much as I did from both the song and the comments. I'm very grateful for those, for real.
I love the trumpet. It makes my eyes water. Aleks really nailed it when saying it is calling you to your afterlife.
2:38 Valfader's (Warrior-father's = Odin's) pledge is a "kenning" (sort of euphemism) for the eye that Odin traded for his wisdom.
3:15 More like old-fashioned modern Norwegian. He have used some old techniques, phrases and references, but the lyrics are new, except for the last two a capella verses, that are direct quotes from Hávamál in Old Norse. For instance: "I know it all, Odin" is typical Edda-poetic phrasing.
6:35 It's a Birch Bark Lur or Birch trumpet.
The word "Hel" probably meant covered/hidden in proto-indo-european and probably existed as a description for the afterlife, before most of the other mythological histories and figures we know were created. These modern concepts were more about recording history, providing education and political affiliations, while there was probably all along a recognition that we don't really know what lies behind. So in this perspective, Valhalla is just a part of Hel (mystically speaking); while mythologically, it is somewhat separate, but connected. The Valkyries chose the warriors to come to Åsgard and Frøya took half while Odin got the rest. Valkyries are Diser (and Frøya their "chief"), who are god-like, ghosts or spirits, often female, usually unnamed, which probably were the mystical basis for people's beliefs from long before they dared name Gods and long into Christianity.
Thank you so much! I was wondering about the eye of Odin, could not remember that part. Thank you also for explaining the language. I really wasn't sure on that one.
I know the myths are somewhat malleable depending on the source, but I would assume that a Norwegian would know more than the rest of us do. You probably have family stories aside from the books the rest of us get the chance to read. Funnily enough, I also wondered if Valhalla is a part of Hel or separate, but I believe I read about it being a separate realm. Interesting that both options are possible.
All this is very much appreciated. Thank you kindly for sharing it! Makes the impact of the song even better! ❤
What a great performance !! It seems like an ancient Viking dirge or prayer for the dead. Fantastic staging and wardrobe really capture the essence of Nordic culture. Aurora looks exceptional in that white birdlike outfit.
Yes, indeed! ❤ As I mentioned at the end of the video it was a privilege to watch. Can't understand why anyone would have their phone out during this performance...
@@AleksReacts It ruins the experience when people try to record the moment. Not only for themselves but for everyone else.
I very much agree on that. Never could and never will understand it... Especially since a moment is not really possible to record - who can record their own emotion...
...its older than what is caled the Viking age ( Odin and his gang are newer than the Godess Hel and Freya.. ) Tha Chistians wiped out most of the female Divine ... Remeber that the word viking is a verb, not the name of a tribe or a surtne kind of people... they went in viking..
Hi, Aleks. Great reaction. And, yup, this has a “calming” vibe. Sounds like some sort of “mantra” I’m no expert or whatsoever, but it sure sounded a bit “medieval” to me. Don’t ask me why, but it reminded a bit of a band that I really love “Blackmore’s Night”. Only much more sinister. Anyway, I liked it. And it’s nice to see you reacting to Aurora again, you know, we’re really discovering her together. I’m even trying to avoid listening to other songs of her, just to enjoy the experience “with you”. 😂 At least, now I know the burden of being a “reactor”. 🤗
Thank you so much, dear Raquel! I believe this goes further back than medieval, but I'm not an expert either. I'm thinking something before the 10th century even. Then again, I could be very wrong. 😊
You don't have to go though the pain and anguish of a reactor. I plan to turn to her new album that came out this year, so maybe listen to it in advance and then see if we match. 😉 We need to have a "painless" plan in place, at least for you. 😂
I know Blackmore’s Night is not really a request, but I wrote it down for future inspiration. Turns out we seem to like the same stuff... Might as well have it on there in case I'm out of ideas. Not to worry, I have Lara planned again for next week, I have not forgotten her at all. Just mixing it up a bit. ❤
@@AleksReacts If you don’t know them already, I guess it’s quite possible that you’ll enjoy. It’s a Brit folk rock band by Ritchie Blackmore (The Deep Purple’s lead guitarrist) and Candice Night. I really love them. Try “Home Again”, “Under a Violet Moon” and “Wish You Were Here”… Yes, my mother made me love Lara Fabian and my father made me a Deep Purple and Blackmore’s Night fan… 🙌🏻
Tastes can seem eclectic and not be. I honestly think it's just good music vs. bad, so I've had multiple influences and still love whatever genre as long as the music was good.
@@AleksReacts Exactly. I’m a very eclectic and multifaceted person with tons of depth! 😂 And I love Brazilian music as well so… 🤯
Lovely and openminded reaction if I may say so. The realms after death: For these who die in battle 1/ Valhall (not Valhalla as the english phrase says) where the famous aesir gods reside and 2 / Folkvangr where the vanir ( Frey and Freya ) reside. People who "die in bed" have a lot of destinations, among them Hel governed by the feminine deity Hel (Yes it is confusing). It is a cold place and the path to it is even colder. If you have survived a nordic winter you know that cold is always worse than warm :-) . The path is also dark so the wanderers have to be led by singing voices, and therefore an norse funeral is a lot of singing. The dead are led till all bands can be broken, which happens at the very end of the singing part. The comes drums and then some wisdom from Havamal (Corresponding to the book of Proverbs in the bible)
Thank you kindly! More importantly you've helped even more with explanations, especially the cold and the singing that I thought had a different role. Folkvangr I completely forgot about, though I well remember Freya and a refresher course along with completely new information is never a bad idea. So much one can learn from something seemingly so mundane as music reactions. ❤ Thank you again for everything!
EXCELLENT reaction! Since you are going down this "rabbit hole", I would suggest Heilung and their song "Anoana". Both music video version and live version (different vibes, same song)
Thank you so much! I am very glad you like it.
I never promise anything, but I do add each suggestion to the list. It might happen. 😉
I believe Aurora dressed in white is to depict the White Raven that represents the beginning of the end. Just an observation. I'm a new subscriber and enjoy your reactions and perspective. Ok have to go now and chase a demented squirrel off my tomato plants.
Thank you for that one - it makes sense really. Thank you also for the compliment and most of all for the squirrel. May you catch it and save the tomatoes. 😂😂😂
;)
Our English word Hell originates from the Germanic realm of the dead, Hel. It was used in early translations of Christian works. Hell appears no where in the bible, the original words used were Sheol, Tartarus, Gehenna, and Hades. Hell was the translation as English is also a Germanic language and the Anglo Saxons were Germanic polytheists. Hel had no negative torture dynamics, it was simply the realm of the dead. Often it was placed in Niflheim or required passage through Niflheim, the Realm of Ice and mist (what I think Aurora is mentioning about being cold)
Thank you for sharing that.
Aleks, as noted this song is Einar Selvik's (the male vocalist from Wardruna) interpretation of the pre-Christian Norse belief in honoring those who pass before us, our ancestors & loved ones......."Helvegen" is the road to Hel (NOT the Christian concept of Hell, more like a purgatory or place on the journey to the final afterlife)....Einar & Aurora tell the story in such a beautiful performance that tears come to the eyes and, at the same time, joy captures the heart.....thanks for reacting ! By the way, I think Valhalla was reserved for those Norse who died in battle, in other words, for "heroes".
Thank you, Larry! It seems there are many interpretations of Hel and Valhalla, as is common with old mythology, but like you I thought Valhalla was reserved for heroes. This one (like Diana's Rechenka) brought so many different stories to the comment section. That is what I really find rewarding about doing reactions in the first place - learning more about cultures I know superficially or not at all.
@@AleksReacts I, for one, am glad you decided to pursue your channel.....l, too, find musical performance to be a "window" to understanding peoples & cultures with which we are not familiar, whether ancient or modern.......
Thank you so much! Your comments really are very much appreciated. You'll notice in time the channel seems to attract people who are both open and cortical thinkers. Personally, I liked it when I started, now it's a place to enjoy as if these aren't even my reactions, just people discussing music, culture, emotions and other serious topics.
You had to die in battle to go to Valhalla. Everybody else goes to Hel.
Sounds like there are more options than Hel, as explained in other comments under this video. Some of them are actually rather interesting to read.
thanks for this reaction, if you like old norse and antique music, i would recommend you heilung. otherwise: more aurora ftw.
I don't know if I like old Norse and antique music, really. This is the first I've properly listened to. Still, I've added Heilung, I never know when I might be inspired to hear more. Aurora is definitely planned though. 😊 Maybe, I'll ease myself into Nordic music bit by bit.
@@AleksReacts believe me, heilung is really healing, like aurora. but different.
Easy does it, I'm ooooold, I need time to adjust 😂
Greetings from Scotland! Hi Aleks. I agree, it is a strange thing to be sitting at a live concert, but spend your time glued to a phone screen while recording the LIVE event! If it is intended for your enjoyment later, why not enjoy the full live experience now? It must detract from your full enjoyment, surely? Each to their own I guess.
Anyway, a powerful song, performed well, but not my thing. I still think Aurora is incredible as a singer/performer though! 😊😊
Hello again, infamous friend! ❤
Not sure if I'd go for this on a daily basis, but it did very nicely lull me into a trance. This really was a performance to remember (unless one was behind a phone 😂).
@@AleksReacts Yeah, just weird eh? If I had a chance to see either Aurora or Diana A. live, I would try to get time to slow down for the performance and leave my phone at home! 😂😂
Yes, exactly! Otherwise, we could just watch them on UA-cam. Why even go to a live performance if you're not really going to be there? 😂
@@AleksReacts Hmmm, just thought, IF I were actually there live I MAY just get "transported" to another place anyway, as often happens when I listen to both of them! SO, perhaps THAT is their way of having a record of the event? Sorry Aleks, it's been a long and very wet day here! 😂😂
😂😂😂 Tomorrow will be better. 😉