Den Sista Runans Dans
Finntroll
The Dance of the Last Rune: A Journey Through Darkness and Liberation
Finntroll's song "Den Sista Runans Dans" ("The Dance of the Last Rune") is a haunting and evocative piece that delves into themes of darkness, finality, and liberation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary rider under the moonlit sky, traversing a forest dominated by the frost lord's power. This imagery sets the stage for a journey into the depths of ancient woods, leading to a land of oblivion and endings. The use of the moon and the northern lights adds a mystical and otherworldly quality to the scene, emphasizing the song's connection to nature and the supernatural.
The runes, ancient symbols of knowledge and power, shine in the dark depths of the night, guiding the way to the seat of the last days. This suggests a journey towards an ultimate conclusion or a final reckoning. The silence that falls, broken only by the shriek of the nightmarish creature, and the dance of the runes to the sound of the troll flute, create an eerie and almost ritualistic atmosphere. The runes' dance can be seen as a metaphor for the unfolding of fate or destiny, driven by ancient and mystical forces.
The song reaches its climax with the declaration that everything ends this night, and they stand free. The imagery of fire, dust, and smoke remaining as the mountains split and the heavens break, symbolizes destruction and rebirth. This can be interpreted as a moment of liberation from the old and the oppressive, a breaking of chains that leads to a new beginning. Finntroll's blend of folk metal and black metal elements, combined with their use of Swedish lyrics, enhances the song's dark, mythic, and epic quality, making "Den Sista Runans Dans" a powerful exploration of the end times and the freedom that comes with it.