Skugge

Wardruna's 'Skugge' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the human psyche, delving into themes of self-discovery and the confrontation with one's inner darkness. The song's title, 'Skugge,' translates to 'Shadow' in English, setting the stage for a lyrical journey that is both introspective and mystical. The lyrics describe a solitary figure sitting at the foot of a mountain, visited by a shadow at dusk. This shadow is not just a physical entity but a metaphor for the parts of ourselves that we often avoid or suppress.

The protagonist engages in a silent dialogue with the shadow, asking it for direction and meaning, but the shadow remains mute. This silence can be interpreted as the difficulty we face when trying to understand our deeper selves. The repeated phrase 'Elden tvingar deg or meg' (The fire forces you out of me) suggests a purging or cleansing process, where the protagonist is trying to rid themselves of this shadowy aspect. The fire here symbolizes transformation and purification, a common motif in many spiritual and psychological traditions.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's heart beats with intensity, and they sing out against the mountain, using 'dvergtungetale' (dwarven tongue) to drive the shadow away. This act of vocalizing and confronting the shadow signifies the importance of acknowledging and integrating these darker aspects of ourselves. The repeated questioning of the shadow, asking if it can answer and why it hastens away, underscores the ongoing struggle for self-understanding. The final lines suggest that finding the shadow is akin to finding oneself, emphasizing the idea that true self-discovery involves embracing all parts of our being, even those we fear or do not fully understand.