The Battle Of Evermore

Led Zeppelin's 'The Battle of Evermore' is a song steeped in mythological and literary references, often interpreted as a tapestry of fantasy imagery that evokes the epic battles of old. The song, from their untitled fourth album, commonly known as 'Led Zeppelin IV', released in 1971, is a folk-inspired acoustic piece that stands out for its mandolin-driven melody and haunting vocal harmonies.

The lyrics of 'The Battle of Evermore' draw heavily from J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings', with references to characters and themes such as the 'dark Lord', 'ring wraiths', and the 'Prince of Peace'. The song's narrative seems to describe a battle between good and evil, with the 'Queen of Light' and the 'Prince of Peace' representing forces of good, while the 'dark Lord' and his minions symbolize evil. The 'angels of Avalon' and the 'eastern glow' suggest a hope for divine intervention or a new dawn after the darkness of conflict. The song's call to 'throw down your plow and hoe' and 'pick up your swords and fly' could be interpreted as a rallying cry to stand against oppression and fight for what is right.

The song also touches on the aftermath of war, with lines like 'The pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath', highlighting the enduring suffering that follows conflict. The 'magic runes writ in gold' suggest a search for wisdom and a way to restore balance, while the final verses, with the 'Sun is shining' and the 'clouds of blue roll by', imply a resolution and the return of peace after the turmoil. 'The Battle of Evermore' is a rich and complex song that combines elements of fantasy with a profound commentary on the nature of conflict and the enduring hope for peace and rebirth.