Diana, La Cierva Blanca

Salduie's song "Diana, La Cierva Blanca" tells the story of a mystical white deer, gifted to the Roman general Quintus Sertorius by a shepherd. This deer, named Diana, possesses the extraordinary ability to foresee the outcomes of battles, thus becoming an invaluable asset to Sertorius and his army. The lyrics describe how Diana's presence instills fear in Rome and grants courage to Sertorius' troops, leading them to numerous victories. The deer’s loyalty and prophetic powers are central to the narrative, symbolizing hope and divine intervention in times of war.

The song delves into the deep bond between Sertorius and Diana, highlighting how the deer’s disappearance and subsequent return affect the morale of the troops. When Diana vanishes, fear and uncertainty grip the soldiers, but her return, guided by the wind, rejuvenates their spirits and leads to the retreat of Pompey’s forces. This cyclical pattern of loss and return underscores the themes of faith and resilience, as the soldiers' belief in Diana's powers is continually tested and reaffirmed.

The narrative takes a darker turn as it recounts the tragic fate of Diana, who is reportedly massacred by a horse. However, she rises from the mud, now brown, achieving eternal fame and life. This transformation signifies rebirth and the enduring legacy of Diana’s spirit. The song concludes with a plea for guidance and protection from Diana, as Sertorius seeks peace in the afterlife. The imagery of the Elysian Fields, a place of eternal rest for the virtuous, ties the story to ancient Roman beliefs about the afterlife, emphasizing the timeless nature of valor and divine favor.

"Diana, La Cierva Blanca" is a rich tapestry of myth, history, and emotion, blending the heroic deeds of Sertorius with the mystical presence of Diana. It explores themes of loyalty, prophecy, and the eternal struggle between fear and hope, set against the backdrop of Roman warfare and mythology.