The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Snake Pit Poetry" by the artist "Wardruna"

This Wardruna song, "Snake Pit Poetry," is saturated with imagery alluding to the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok and his tragic fate.

"Never thought that snakes / Would be my bane!" – these lines can be interpreted in two ways. On the one hand, they refer to Ragnar's childhood when, according to legend, he fell into a pit of snakes but survived. This incident could have left a lasting impression on him, leading him to believe that snakes posed no threat. On the other hand, these lines are a bitter irony of fate, as snakes ultimately caused his demise.

"But often that happens, / What you least expect." Life is full of surprises, and even the mightiest warrior can fall victim to their own overconfidence.

"Now like a corpse I lie / And die with the creatures." These lines convey the horror and despair of Ragnar's situation, thrown into a pit of venomous snakes to die. He recognizes the inevitability of his end and accepts his fate.

"Please remember, piglets, / Having learned about the old boar! / They harm me much: / They bite with their teeth / And strongly / The snakes suck me." In this passage, Ragnar addresses his numerous sons, urging them to remember him and avenge his death. "Piglets" and "old boar" are metaphors emphasizing the warrior spirit and unity of the Vikings. Ragnar describes his suffering in detail to ignite the fire of vengeance in his sons' hearts.

"Now like a corpse I lie / And die with the creatures." The song ends with a repetition of the lines, emphasizing the hopelessness of the situation.

Thus, "Snake Pit Poetry" is not just a depiction of Ragnar Lothbrok's death but also a hymn to courage, loyalty, and revenge, celebrating the heroic spirit of the Vikings.