Aeges Draum

Enslaved's song "Aeges Draum" delves into the depths of existential and mythological themes, painting a vivid picture of a world far beneath the surface. The lyrics, sung in Norwegian, evoke a sense of profound depth and timelessness, beginning with the imagery of a pulse beating steadily and waves expanding like heartbeats at seventy thousand fathoms deep. This sets the stage for a journey into a silent, mosaic-like abyss where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur.

The song introduces a wise man, described as being three heights tall, who descends into this deep realm and declares that what has been, never truly was. This cryptic statement suggests a philosophical reflection on the nature of existence and memory, hinting at the impermanence and illusory nature of reality. The subsequent vision of a burning river and a bleeding sun further intensifies the surreal and apocalyptic atmosphere, symbolizing destruction and transformation.

A norn, a figure from Norse mythology associated with fate and destiny, also makes an appearance, descending from the roots of the tree of life. Her proclamation that everything will die and decay, and that silence will eventually prevail, underscores the inevitability of death and the cyclical nature of existence. The choking song and dying children evoke a sense of loss and the end of innocence, reinforcing the themes of decay and the passage of time. The song concludes by returning to the imagery of the deep abyss, where empty universes reside and dreams perish, leaving listeners with a haunting reflection on the ephemeral nature of life and the inexorable march of fate.