Det Endelege Riket

Enslaved's song 'Det Endelege Riket' (The Ending Empire) delves into the cyclical nature of empires and existence, using vivid and often contrasting imagery to explore themes of time, perception, and the inevitable end. The lyrics, originally in Norwegian, paint a picture of an 'ending blue' that is both obscure and promising, suggesting a duality in the nature of endings—both a conclusion and a new beginning. This duality is further emphasized by the transformation of colors, where 'white was black,' indicating a shift in perception and reality over time.

The song repeatedly references the cyclical nature of empires, stating 'Empires circles time' and 'From other to one we go.' This suggests that empires, much like human existence, are bound to a cycle of rise and fall, creation and destruction. The lyrics also touch on the human tendency to perceive eternity and permanence, only to be deceived by the transient nature of reality. The line 'Deceived to see eternity, if blinded, silent nothingness' highlights the futility of seeking permanence in a world that is inherently impermanent.

Another significant theme in the song is the idea of self-imposed limitations and the possibility of liberation. The lyrics mention 'clutching the chains that do not exist,' questioning why we choose to live bound by invisible constraints. This existential query is a call to live freely, unburdened by the metaphorical chains that we often impose on ourselves. The song concludes with the image of a 'merciless mother' who will 'caress us with the burning skies of the last days,' a powerful metaphor for the inevitable end that awaits all, yet one that is also a form of cosmic embrace, suggesting a return to the primordial state.