Raua Needmine

Metsatöll's song "Raua Needmine" ("The Curse of Iron") delves into the mythological and cultural significance of iron, portraying it as both a powerful and malevolent force. The lyrics are steeped in ancient folklore, invoking a narrative that personifies iron as a destructive entity. The song opens with a vehement curse directed at iron, calling it a 'flesh eater,' 'bone crusher,' and 'innocent blood spiller.' This sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing iron's destructive capabilities and its role in violence and suffering.

The narrative then shifts to the origin of iron, describing a mythical scene where three celestial maidens milk the earth. Each maiden's milk produces a different type of iron: soft iron from black milk, steel from white milk, and cast iron from red milk. This vivid imagery not only highlights the diverse forms of iron but also ties its creation to a divine and mystical process. The song suggests that iron's malevolence is inherent, stemming from its very creation.

As the song progresses, it recounts the transformation of iron from a humble material to a formidable force. Initially, iron is depicted as weak and insignificant, groaning under the hammer's blows. However, it gains its malevolent power through the addition of snake venom, symbolizing the infusion of evil. The song concludes with a plea to the Creator and God to protect humanity from the destructive potential of iron, underscoring the duality of iron as both a tool and a weapon. This plea reflects a deep-seated fear and respect for iron's power, encapsulating the song's central theme of creation and destruction intertwined.