5 songs from the mythical lands: Music, Mythology, and Meaning Part 1

Ah, the enchanting dance between music and mythology, where ancient legends have inspired many a songwriters including myself to submit to their charm and weave songs in an attempt to retell the stories. I have succumbed to the tales of Hanuman, Loki, Athena, Ra and many more mythological gods that have made my childhood and even adult life a fun landscape of ideas and inspiration.

Today, we embark on a journey through many mythical world encountering lyrical pieces that try to capture the lore. I hope it may inspire you to write one yourself or at-least get you excited enough to pick up a book on mythology. In 2023, I was so enchanted by the legends that I spent 4 months devouring 5 books on Greek Mythology and then moved on to Norse, Celtic and other mythologies. In recent times I have circled back to Hindu Mythology and it’s just becoming a source material for so many of my new ideas.

Will I write a lot of songs now inspired by it? YOU BET!

SONG 1: Led Zeppelin - "Immigrant Song" (Norse Mythology)

• To all the Thor fans (I hated Thor: Ragnarok BTW), this might have been an obvious edition, but to the less cultured ones, this Led Zeppelin's thunderous anthem is a direct homage to Norse mythology, specifically the legend of Valhalla and Viking warriors. The lyrics transport us to the realm of the gods and the thunderous halls of Valhalla with Robert Plant imitating the war cries, howling vocals and the reference to hammer of the gods. This song was actually about band’s trip to Iceland for a concert which he compared to battle (or so I’ve heard). I love this analogy and the writing. This song really got me into norse mythology, yes, before Thor: Ragnarok. I am working on my own piece too that with KAPOW!’s sound will surely be a ear-worm.

• Want to learn more? Get a quick starter about Norse Mythology from one of my favourite Youtube Channels, Crash course here:
  

• Prefer Books? First, I love you! Second, Here’s the list that I refer too…

1. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

2. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1 by Rick Riordan (For Percy Jackson Fans)

3. Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs by John Lindow

SONG 2: Iron Maiden - "Flight of Icarus" (Greek Mythology)

• In this epic metal ballad, Iron Maiden takes inspiration from the tale of Icarus and Daedalus from Greek Mythology. It’s a beautiful story, which has been used as a tale of warning against reckless ambition in pop culture, time and time again. The soaring guitar solos mirror Icarus' ill-fated flight toward the sun. While the lyrics paint how Icarus in his new found freedom, gave no wind to his father’s warning and it led to his doom. Not a fan of this story, I have other favourites from the Greek Myths but this song is definitely one you should listen.
  

• Nobody asked but my favourite Greek Myths that I am always happy to discuss are:
  

1. The Love Story of Eros and Psyche

2. Goddess Athena and Arachne

3. The Myth of Narcissus and Echo

4. Selene and Endymion

• If you are interested in this greek myth, read this: The Myth of Daedalus and Icarus: Fly Between the Extremes

• For the readers, these are my personal favourite books that I gobbled up in recent times and are housed in my personal library:

1. MYTHOS by Stephen Fry

2. Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters by Donna Jo Napoli

3. Percy Jackson Books Collection by Rick Riordan
   

SONG 3: Donovan - "Atlantis" (Atlantean Mythology)

• Donovan's folk-rock gem weaves a vivid narrative about the lost city of Atlantis, a mythical place shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Now, Atlantean Mythology has a lot in similar to Greek Myths and is an extension of it created by Plato’s work but is still an interesting world to weave your songs around. Altantis has become an integral part of pop culture, from DC’s Aquaman to Ayn Rand’s book Atlas Shrugged. (I love them both)
  

• Curious? Read more about the Atlantean myth: Atlantis’ Tragic Tale: What Is the Truth Behind the Myth?

SONG 4: Loreena McKennitt - "The Mummer's Dance" (Celtic Mythology)

• This haunting song by Loreena McKennitt captures the essence of Celtic mythology, with its references to the mystical and the otherworldly. The song in itself has some amazing lyrics and serves as an inspiration to musicians and songwriters of all eras. I long to write something like this soon. The song celebrates seasons and is very mysterious. It refers to seasonal Mummers Play performed by groups of actors, often as house-to-house visits. An age old tradition in the celtic region. There’s so much lore around which this song is built, that I must share it with you!
  

• There’s a beautiful breakdown of the song and its lyrics in this article that helped me get a better understanding of the song as well: The Mummers - Storytelling Around The World - Tell-A-Tale
  

• More about Celtic Mythology: Celtic Mythology: Myths, Legends, Deities, Heroes, and Culture
  

SONG 5: Kate Bush - "The Ninth Wave" (Irish Mythology & Russian Folklore)

• Kate Bush's conceptual piece "The Ninth Wave" draws from Irish Myths pf the Ninth Wave and a Russian folklore. The song blends life and death diving deep into the metaphor of the final wave. It immerses listeners in a vivid narrative of a shipwreck survivor. In seafaring folk lore, there is this belief that waves come in groups of three, and the last wave, the ninth, is the largest and most devastating, the kind that could perhaps wash someone overboard.
  

• According to Kate, the suite is about “…this person being in the water. How they’ve got there, we don’t know but the idea is that they’ve been on a ship and they’ve been washed over the side so they’re alone, in this water. Now I find that horrific imagery, the thought of being completely alone in all this water. And they’ve got a life jacket on with a little light so that if anyone should be traveling at night, they’ll see the light and know they’re there. And they’re absolutely terrified. And they’re completely alone at the mercy of their imagination. Which again, I personally find such a terrifying thing, the power of one’s own imagination being let loose on something like that. And the idea that, they’ve got it in their head that they mustn’t fall asleep. Because if you fall asleep when you’re in the water, I’ve heard that you roll over and so you drown so they’re trying to keep themselves awake.” (I know, right?) Kate Bush - The Ninth Wave
  

• Ninth Wave demystified:

1. Kate Bush — The Ninth Wave — Musical Storytelling to the Max

2. A Brief History of the 'Ninth Wave'

3. The Ninth Wave Collection and The Irish Mythology
   

These songs showcase the diverse ways in which songwriters draw from mythology, literature, and mystical themes to create music that is both unique and deeply resonant. As Eternalramblings would say, “When music and myths meld together, it's like eavesdropping on ancient gossip sessions – those ageless stories spill their juicy secrets to anyone who's all ears!” I am here, peeping in and out, crafting new songs that will bring my favourite stories to life in my own KAPOW!-y way. Stay Tuned! If you need recommendations on literature, hit me up, I got a plenty!