The Song of Amergin

June 24th, 2016

Awake Goy

Amergin Glúingel was a bard and judge of the Milesians, who took control of Ireland from the Tuatha Dé Danann. As the Milesians approached Ireland, the druids of Tuatha Dé Danann created a magical storm to keep off the invasion, so Amergin sang this invocation, which came to be known as “the Song of Amergin”, and is often recognized as Ireland’s first written poem, whether that is true or not. This translation comes to us from Cycle Mythologique by De Jubainville.

“I am the wind that blows upon the sea,”
sang Amergin;
“I am the ocean wave;
I am the murmur of the surges;
I am seven battalions;
I am a strong bull;
I am an eagle on a rock;
I am a ray of the sun;
I am the most beautiful of herbs;
I am a courageous wild boar;
I am a Salmon in the water;
I am a lake upon a plain;
I am a cunning artist;
I am a gigantic, sword-wielding champion;
I can shift my shape like a god.
In what direction shall we go?
Shall we hold our council in the valley or on the mountain-top?
Where shall we make our home?
What land is better than this island of the setting sun?
Where shall we walk to and fro in peace and safety?
Who can find you clear springs of water as I can?
Who can tell you the age of the moon but I?
Who can call the fish from the depths of the sea as I can?
Who can cause them to come near the shore as I can?
Who can change the shapes of the hills and headlands as I can?
I am a bard who is called upon by seafarers to prophesy.
Javelins shall be wielded to avenge our wrongs.
I prophesy victory.
I end my song by prophesying all other good things.