[INTRO] (Low chant) One eye... Nine nights... One spear... One fate... You know my name... Now hear my voice. --- [VERSE 1] I am the Gray-Beard, Gallows-Lord, wandering weathered way-maker, Raven-feeder, rune-reader, ring-giver, oath-awaker. Bought my vision, paid the price, traded one eye for forever, Drank the darkness, gained the dawn, lost the lesser, won the better. Hung myself upon the Tree, spear between my ribs unyielding, Nine long nights with none to aid me, never breaking, never kneeling. No bread fed me, no horn blessed me, only silence, only pain, Then the runes rose from the deep and every drop was worthy gain. Wolf's-Father, victory's weaver, thought's commander, storm's desire, Breath of kings and bane of cowards, feeding wisdom into fire. Huginn carried every whisper, Muninn gathered every deed, Nothing hidden, nothing buried, every thought becomes my seed. I've worn the cloak of countless names, the hood of every wandering man, Testing hearts beside the roadside long before your lives began. Silver-tongued with sharpened purpose, every riddle hides a blade, Those who seek the easy pathway never learn how men are made. I have walked where frost was born, where giants carved the mountain bones, Heard the roots of Yggdrasil singing through creation's stones. Never crowned by mortal hands, no throne bestowed authority. I became what I would be through sacrifice and certainty. --- [CHORUS] I am Óðinn! One eye sees what time conceals. I am Óðinn! Every oath the Norns reveal. I am Óðinn! Stand with honor. Stand with pride. If you seek the halls of glory... Walk the road where heroes stride. --- [VERSE 2] Mead-thief, eagle-winged sky-cutter, split the heavens, stole the flame, Every skald that speaks with power drinks because I won that game. From the blood of ancient Ymir rose the valleys, seas, and stone, From his bones the mountains tower, from his skull the heavens shone. With my brothers shaped the cosmos, raised the stars and called the light, Lifted Midgard from the chaos, drove the darkness from the sight. Breath I gifted unto Ask, living warmth to Embla's soul, Not by chance were mortals fashioned, purpose made them strong and whole. Spear called Gungnir never falters, every throw becomes the truth, Every battle weighs the spirit more than merely strength of youth. Chooser of the fallen warriors, Valkyries answer my call, Not for glory, not for riches, only those who gave their all. Wild Hunt racing through the tempest, hear the hoofbeats shake the night, Cowards hide behind their windows, brave men step into the fight. I've debated dwarfs and giants, broken riddles, shattered lies, Every fool who claimed my wisdom watched his arrogance capsize. Ring-dispensing, fame-defending, shield of those who keep their word, Better one true oath in silence than a thousand praises heard. Every scar upon your spirit, every burden, every loss, Can become a crown of iron if you're willing bear the cost. --- [CHORUS] I am Óðinn! One eye sees what time conceals. I am Óðinn! Every oath the Norns reveal. I am Óðinn! Stand with honor. Stand with pride. If you seek the halls of glory... Walk the road where heroes stride. --- [VERSE 3] Now you call yourselves my people, then remember what I teach, Wisdom's earned by those who travel farther than the words they preach. Do not beg the gods for greatness while your hands refuse the strain, Forge your worth with sweat and patience, every failure, every pain. Feed the hungry, guard the helpless, hold your brothers standing tall, Measure wealth by trusted friendships, not by what you choose to haul. When the raven lands beside you, let him never witness shame, Leave behind a tale worth telling when they speak your mortal name. I don't ask for blind obedience, I don't hunger after fear, I would rather have one honest soul than legions bending near. Question loudly, think with purpose, sharpen heart as well as blade, Truth is never found by followers frightened of the choices made. Face the wolf that stalks within you, chain him not but make him serve, Strength without a guided conscience is a road with every curve. When your thread is cut at last and every final breath is done, Stand before me without trembling knowing all your battles won. Raise your head and meet my one eye, let your deeds become your plea, Then I'll know beyond all question... You were worthy walking with me. --- [FINAL CHORUS] I am Óðinn! Runes were written in my blood. I am Óðinn! Storm and wisdom, spear and flood. I am Óðinn! Stand unbroken to the end. Honor is the road to glory... Walk it well, my faithful friend.
