Um heilage fjell

“Um heilage fjell” by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik is a deeply evocative song that draws on Norse mythology and the natural world to explore themes of memory, ancestry, and the passage of time. The lyrics, sung in Norwegian, paint a vivid picture of a sacred mountain peak that stands as a symbol of connection between the earthly and the divine. The mountain, clear against the horizon, serves as a reminder of the past and the presence of those who have come before.

The song speaks to the comfort found in the knowledge that the spirits of ancestors are near, alleviating the singer's loneliness and sorrow. This connection to the past is portrayed as a healing force, even though the wounds it soothes are invisible to others. The reference to being a guest in Dáinn's hall, a figure from Norse mythology associated with death and rebirth, suggests a temporary sojourn in the realm of the dead until one's destiny is fulfilled. The nornesong and nornevev (Norns' song and Norns' weave) further emphasize the idea of fate and the threads of life being spun and woven by the Norns, the mythological beings who control destiny.

The imagery of wind, both as a starting point and an endpoint, symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the transformation from one state of being to another. The wind carries memories and the essence of the ancestors, suggesting that life is a continuous flow, with each generation carrying forward the legacy of those who came before. The song's rich metaphors and cultural references create a tapestry of meaning that resonates with themes of heritage, continuity, and the sacredness of nature.