My Mother Told Me

 "My Mother Told Me" is an old Viking song that has gained immense popularity in recent years, partly due to the series Vikings and various modern renditions. This song is based on a passage from the Icelandic saga Krákumál, an ancient poem attributed to the legendary Viking warrior Ragnar Lothbrok, which is said to contain his final words.

Who was Ragnar Lothbrok?

Ragnar Lothbrok was a semi-legendary Viking hero and warrior, known for his raids on France and England during the 9th century. He is often depicted as a fearless leader who sought glory and adventure. According to the sagas, Ragnar was captured by King Ælla of Northumbria and executed by being thrown into a pit of snakes, but his legacy lived on through his sons, who sought revenge and continued his conquests.

The meaning of the song

The song tells the story of a young Viking who dreams of adventure, sailing the seas, and earning glory through raids. The lyrics reflect the Viking mentality of honor, bravery, and ambition. The Vikings strongly believed in courage and earning a place in Valhalla through great deeds on the battlefield and at sea.

Common translation of the lyrics:

My mother told me, someday I would buy
galleys, with good oars, sail to distant shores,
stand up high on the prow, noble barque I steer,
steady course to the haven, hew many foe-men.

👉  The singer recounts how his mother predicted that he would one day own a ship and sail the seas as a brave Viking. He would go on raids, fight enemies, and gain fame. This song radiates adventure and warrior spirit, making it a perfect fit for the rugged and heroic Viking culture! ⚔️

Musical performance and sheet music

Over the years, various musical interpretations of My Mother Told Me have emerged. The melody is often played on traditional instruments such as the lyre, nyckelharpa, or tagelharpa, but it also sounds powerful and captivating on modern instruments like the Harpika Kalyre.

🎵 You can listen to my version of the song here:👉 
📜 Download the sheet music or notes for this song here:👉 

Or take a look at my Harpika Kalyre song play list here:👉

Would you like to learn to play it yourself, or have any questions about the music? Leave a comment! 😊