Thus A Viking Dies

See me as I lay,

Amongst my fallen brothers...

Our swords are dim now,

Our shields shattered on the ground-

The light has fled our eyes,

Our hearts shall pound no more

In this here world...

This is how a Viking dies:

On the field of glorious war-

He stood fast to the very end,

By the sword he earned his fame!

This is how a Viking dies:

Besides the bodies of fallen foes,

On shores that lie may miles away

From home and hearth, away from the North!

Fight to the end-hail the gods!

Thus a Viking dies and yet

His spirit shall forever dwell

In Valhalla's golden hall

Side by side with gods he feasts!

The Einherjer await for him,

His seat is long prepared

At all-father's dining table:

The Einherjer raise him a toast

Who fought and died like they did!

"I now live in the dream

Of fair Valkyries,

I now walk on fields

In Asgard evergreen;

My blood flows gold,

My eyes see afar

Like those of the eagle

Who now soars with me!

In Odin's court I dwell,

In the shining hall

That lies 'cross the bridge

Guarded by Heimdall

'Till the time is come

And he sounds his horn

Calling me to arms,

To do battle anon!"