Winifred Hodge Rose
A song I wrote to the tune of the English medieval ballad called “Three Ravens.” Odin’s Ravens soar forth from him upon the winds that emanate from his mighty Hugr-soul and blow through the Worlds. The Ravens fly on this wind, seeking knowledge and wisdom to bring back to Odin as he walks the Worlds in mystery and power.
1) Let fly two Ravens forth from thee,
Singing Thought and Memory!
Naught in any World from them can flee–
Fare ye forth!
Hear one of them call to his mate,
Seeking out the strands of Fate,
Crying: Come! Fare we now on winds of Odin’s will!
2) Upon yon distant stone-girt peak,
Singing Thought and Memory!
There stands an ancient mossy seat–
Fare ye forth!
There, rooted in eldest might,
Thou sendest forth thy winged sight,
Crying: Come! Fare we now on winds of Odin’s will!
3) Through worlds of darkness, worlds of light,
Singing Thought and Memory!
Two night-hued Ravens, swift in flight,
Fare ye forth!
Gather ye news of each wight,
See what goes ill, see deeds of right,
Crying: Come! Fare we now on wings of Odin’s will!
4) Now sinks the sun in misty vale,
Singing Thought and Memory!
Thou biddest them hence to tell their tale–
Fare ye hence!
From Hlidskalf thy call echoes forth,
Spanning the Worlds from south to north,
Crying: Come! Fare ye now on winds of Odin’s will!
5) As Night’s soft arms embrace bright Day,
Singing Thought and Memory!
Two shining Ravens wend their way,
Faring hence.
Winds bear them to mountain crown,
Upon thy great shoulders gliding down,
Crying: Hark! Wisdom borne on wings of Odin’s will!
Heed we well the wisdom borne on winds of Odin’s will!