In the Hall of the Mountain King

Edvard Grieg's 'In the Hall of the Mountain King' is a piece of music that has transcended its original context to become a staple in classical music. The lyrics, however, are less well-known and add a dark, almost sinister layer to the composition. The song is part of Henrik Ibsen's play 'Peer Gynt,' and it captures a moment of intense drama and danger. The lyrics are in Norwegian and translate to a call for violence against Peer Gynt, who has dared to court the Mountain King's daughter. The repeated cries of 'Slagt ham!' ('Kill him!') create a sense of urgency and menace, reflecting the perilous situation Peer finds himself in.

The lyrics are filled with vivid, violent imagery. Lines like 'Må jeg skjære ham i fingeren?' ('May I cut his finger?') and 'Hu, hej, lad mig bide ham i låret!' ('Hoo, hey, let me bite him in the thigh!') paint a gruesome picture of the trolls' intentions. This violent imagery serves to heighten the tension and underscore the danger that Peer Gynt faces. The trolls' suggestions for how to kill Peer—whether by roasting him on a spit or boiling him in a pot—add a macabre, almost grotesque element to the scene.

Culturally, the song taps into the rich folklore of Norway, where trolls and mythical creatures are common elements. The Mountain King himself is a figure of immense power and authority in this folklore, and his hall is a place of both wonder and terror. Grieg's music, with its escalating tempo and intensity, mirrors the escalating danger in the lyrics, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative. The piece is a masterful blend of music and storytelling, capturing the essence of Norwegian folklore and the perilous adventures of Peer Gynt.