Mark Of Cain

Therion's song 'Mark Of Cain' delves into the biblical story of Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, who committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel. The lyrics explore the consequences of this act, emphasizing the eternal mark placed upon Cain by God. This mark symbolizes not only his guilt and punishment but also his immortality, forcing him to wander the earth forever. The pain and burden of his crime are etched into his very being, making his existence a perpetual reminder of his sin.

The song also touches on the idea of secret knowledge and the forbidden power that Cain possesses. By mentioning that Cain 'taught man handle God's spark,' the lyrics suggest that Cain's actions and the mark he bears have imparted a deeper understanding of divine power and the consequences of wielding it. This ties into the broader themes of sin, knowledge, and the human condition, as Cain's story is one of both transgression and enlightenment.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics reference Azazel, a figure from Jewish mythology often associated with the scapegoat ritual and the desert. The imagery of riding a horse into the 'desert of set' and meeting Azazel suggests a journey of penance and confrontation with one's inner demons. The he-goat bearing old crimes symbolizes the transfer of sins and the hope for redemption. This journey to the wasteland of Azazel represents a quest for atonement and the struggle to come to terms with one's past actions.