
Performance by Farya Faraji, myself, and Dimitris Athanasopoulos; melody by Farya Faraji based on traditional Greek chants; Old Norse lyrics written by me.
The chant laments the passing of Emperor Basil II Bulgar-Bane. In our symphony, the protagonist, a Varangian Guardsman from Scandinavia, deeply admires Basil II—primarily for his skill in battle, his wealth, and his earthly power, but ultimately the piety with which he embraces his death. The Emperor's passing marks an important moment in our Varangian's life, as it becomes apparent to him that no matter how much glory and gold one attains in life, death spares no man. It is really the moment in the saga where the protagonist begins to understand the Christian worldview and starts to embrace it.
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Lyrics:
Basil, sá ǫruggazti berserkr, hér fyrr andaðisk.
Fimbulbál hans er orðit at ǫsku í vindi, hans auðr moldu samr.
[Basil, that most fearless of berserks, herebefore breathed his last.
His roaring flame is become ash in the wind; his riches are but dust.]
Hví mun maðr slíkr hníga á hlið ómaga,
biðja vægðar þjófa ok níðinga á meðal, alberr fyrir Guði?
[How can such a man kneel beside the pauper,
beg for mercy among thieves and scoundrels, naked before God?]
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