Bjarkamál – The beginning
This song started when I commissioned a brand new -yet ancient- instrument to be made by the young luthier Sam Verkerk. I had listened to many a song by Norse artists who use lyres and other such instruments, which always sounded incredibly well to me. I decided I ought to get my hands on a similar instrument and see what music I might come up with. The tune for Bjarkamál was one of the first genuine melodies that I was able to produce from this instrument.
What to write about?
Once I had mastered the melody, it was time for me to figure out what to write about. I had recently become part of a group of Viking friends that had gathered around a man called Björn, which translates to bear. Starting out as ‘The Bear Clan,’ I remembered that there was a mythical figure called ‘Bjarki’ and suggested the name “Bjarki Clan.” Since the story of Bodvar Bjarki stems from around the year 1000 and is of Nordic origin, the name made sense and was accepted. It was not until a few weeks later that I dove into the lore around this Bodvar Bjarki person and discovered that he was part of a particular story that was so epic, that it was written down and preserved for such a long time. This is a tale I ought to write music to!
Bodvar Bjarki – Man and Bear
The story Bjarkamál is in fact a poem and describes the fall of a good and mighty king “Hrolf Kraki.” Bodvar Bjarki was a berserker who was loyal to this king and in the poem he fights in bear form to hold off Swedish rebels. To fight in this shape, Bodvar had to meditate with his eyes closed. His loyal friend Hjalte was looking for Bodvar to warn him of the rebel attack and make him ready to fight, when he stumbled upon Bodvar, seemingly sleeping. Hjalte woke Bodvar, breaking the spell with which Bodvar controlled the bear, and without the bear fighting for them, they were much weaker. Regardless, Bodvar Bjarki charged into battle, swinging his weapon without mercy, meaning to safe king Hrolf and the town Lejre itself!
What happens next, I will not tell! You will have to listen to the song and find out for yourself! The song only highlights the major thread of the poem. If you’re interested, I do recommend you read the entire thing. But without further ado, here it is: BJARKAMÁL!
Lyrics
Hjalte awakens
Bodvar Bjarki
For Lejre is burning
By iron and mead
Good Hrolf has fallen
Of vengeance is need
And Famous, the warrior;
Is Bodvar Bjarki
Famous, the warrior;
Our Bodvar Bjarki
Aaahaahaaah
Mortally wounded
The skalds will sing
Summoning Hjalte
To show him Odin
So he can avenge
The death of his king
Loyal and brave
Is Bodvar Bjarki
Loyal and brave
Our Bodvar Bjarki
Aaahaahaaah
Fire engulfs
By treacherous deed
All the observers
The Aesir will see
Valhalla will open
Good was his king
Lain next to Hrolf
Is Bodvar Bjarki
Lain next to Hrolf
Our Bodvar Bjarki
Aaahaahaaah
Bart the Bard 