Savage Daughter

The song 'Savage Daughter', performed by Sarah Hester Ross, was originally written by Karen Kahan. Karen is also known as Wyndreth Berginsdottir, Savage Daughter, and A Shieldmaid. Since the early 1990s, the author has been writing and composing music and poetry in the Nordic style of the Viking Age.

As we read throughout the lyrics, 'Savage Daughter' is a powerful expression of female identity and connection with maternal roots. The lyrics evoke an image of indomitable, strong women who refuse to conform to social expectations, especially those related to appearance and behavior. The repetition of the line 'I am my mother's savage daughter' acts as a mantra of empowerment, reinforcing the idea that strength and savagery are inheritances passed down from mother to daughter.

The song uses metaphors related to nature and mysticism to describe the spiritual and ancestral connection between the women of a lineage. The reference to running barefoot and cursing sharp stones suggests a closeness to the earth and a resistance to pain and obstacles. The mention of 'omens in the colors of stones' and 'the dancing of fire' refers to pagan practices and ancient wisdom that is passed down through the generations. This connection with the past is celebrated and seen as a source of power and resistance.

As we know, during the Viking Age, women generally occupied important roles, although mainly within the home and family. They had authority in domestic matters, could manage property when their husbands were away and even participated in economic activities. As for religious beliefs, women in Viking society had a certain freedom compared to other contemporary cultures. Although the female role was linked to the female deities in Norse mythology, such as Freyja and Frigg, women could exert spiritual influence and so, since those times, they have fought so that today's women can be whoever they want and wherever they want.

The song also touches on the idea that all women share a common experience of birth and pain, suggesting that there is an ancestral song inside each one that is awakening. 'Savage Daughter' is an anthem of recognition of this inner strength and of solidarity between women. Sarah Hester Ross, with her voice and musical style, invites listeners to join in this celebration of wild and untamed femininity, rejecting the softening of their voices or the altering of their appearances to fit social standards. The song is a call for women to embrace their heritage and express themselves with authenticity and courage.