Varangian Guard: Brothers of the North Sea [Old English/Old Norse/Medieval Greek] | The Skaldic Bard

Here is another song I wrote and performed (with my wife), this time in Old English, Old Norse and Mediaeval/Byzantine Greek. The use of Old English in conjunction with Old Norse is to illustrate the fact that at this point in history, the Varangian Guard was primarily made up of Anglo-Saxon warriors who fled England after the Norman Conquest, as well as Scandinavians. The Greek is adapted from Anna Komneni’s Alexiad in which she discusses the Varangians who were in her father Alexios’s service. The song details the events of the Battle of Beroia fought by Byzantine Emperor John II Komnenos against the Pechenegs in 1122. The Emperor was forced to cut an expedition east short when the Pechenegs attacked the north of the empire from beyond the Danube. The Pechenegs camped in a deep depression near Beroia (modern Stara Zagora) and their defence proved very hard to break down. Their horseback archers proved too effective against the Emperor’s men - until he called upon the elite and heavily armed Varangian Guard, who, in a mighty push, broke down the defences and forced the Pechenegs to flee. I hope you enjoy! Please like, subscribe and share as it really helps the channel. If you would like, you can also support me by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskaldicbard. Many thanks and God bless! Lyrics in description.

Amazing work as always my friend, I love the main melody

Everyone gangster until Iohannes calls the Varangians

This is getting out of hand, hes bumped the number of languages up to 3 in one song! In seriousness, damn fine work skald, i can scarcely imagine how much hard work has to go into doing this stuff, and we appreciate it, man. Keep on rocking!

For me, this one and the new Alfred the great song are your absolute best bangers, can't stop listening to them!

As a English guy with German,Scandinavian and Greek ancestry that served in the Greek Cypriot army this slaps

The greek woman singing was great touch, all three worlds meshing great. Her pov being the greek pov of the brothers of the north sea

Amazing music, imagery and vocals by yourself and your wife!! How no one has made a high quality film about the Varangian guard is beyond me. Hearing you perform in three historical languages is always a joy!

All I can say is... wow. I always enjoy your old English pieces the most (it's the only one I'm even mildly proficient in), but the combination with Old Norse and Byzantine Greek? What an effect. I can't think of a single song you've made where you haven't received praise, but this is easily one of the most deserving. I can't wait to see what you do next!

God bless you and your wife and thank you for making songs such as this. The Old English, Old Norse, and Greek being used together is something beautiful.

This is awesome! I love it! I really love your music! You have such a talent! May God help you in your creativity!

I started listening to your songs recently, and not gonna lie, your songs give me the boost I need at the gym!

Brothers of the North Sea forever ❤🔥 One of your best songs so far!👌

Brilliant song, congratulations for your excellent work, this song honouring the memory every Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon warrior who served in the Varangian Guard under the banner of my ancestors.

I'm half northern English and half Greek. This is now my training anthem hahaha

My brother, Another masterpiece..another testament..to the sacrosanct blood of our kindred. I had been struggling..a few months ago, you galvanized me... Thank you brother. And hail to your loved ones

I wish someone would make a film about the Varangian Guard. That way we could hear this song at the cinema...

Such a brilliant piece! I absolutely loved the language combination. Makes me think about how it must’ve been back then.

You know what… I really appreciate the rythm switch you used for the Greek sections! It sounds so close to the orthodox hymns I know. I could almost see it being carried on the wind over the rooftops of Constantinople…Yep you absolutely smashed it out the park with this one and I really wish I could show it to an old Varangian guard or Byzantine soldier !!!!

An exam day was made better with a little notification from the legendary Skaldic Bard, to which I thank you ;) Awesome song and I love the return of the Old Norse and a lovely Greek addition!