Song in Gothic/Latin: Slayers of the Huns [Battle of the Catalaunian Plains] | The Skaldic Bard

[@SkaldBard]

Here’s an original song I wrote and performed, this time in Gothic and Latin (with Classical Latin pronunciation). The song is structured to be exactly 50% of each language to symbolise the coming together of two great historical European forces, and to give the perspective of each side. It was quite the labour of love putting this together - I'm not sure I've ever worked so hard! The song revolves around the invasion of Attila the Hun into Western Europe. To have a chance at beating the mighty Huns, Theodoric, King of the Visigoths, and Flavius Aetius, a Roman general, put their differences aside (they had previously been at war against each other) and joined forces to fight their common enemy, Attila and his Hunnic army, at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. In a mighty charge, the Goths captured a key strategic hill position, while the Romans arranged their troops in a slightly unorthodox fashion to outmanoeuvre Attila. They ultimately won the day, but the King of the Goths, Theodoric I, lost his life in the process. The Romans decided not to kill Attila when they had the chance, perhaps hoping he would cool off after his defeat… but as it turns out, that was to be an unwise decision, as he returned to invade the Western Empire again the following year. Fun fact: King Theodoric was JRR Tolkien’s inspiration for the character Théoden King in Lord of the Rings, and the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains inspired The Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Lyrics are in the description. I hope you enjoy. Please leave a comment if you did and subscribe to the channel for more. If you’re feeling generous, donations really help me put some more time aside to make videos: www.buymeacoffee.com/theskaldicbard. Thank you! My intention is exclusively to teach history and languages through song. I do not condone, endorse or seek to glorify violence.

[@cal_bnd]

Well you'll get many more awesome comments. Your channel fills a niche I've always wanted. I'm sure many others feel the same!

[@robinrehlinghaus1944]

I hope many see this upload, and I hope I'll see many more of them. I'd love to see you do more of this style, like the one where you had mixed Old Norse and East Slavic. It's wonderful to see how these peoples interacted.

[@iberius9937]

Thank you for the awesome and epic facts! Fascinating!

[@thegreatselkie6009]

This is fabulous! Great work here! ♥️♥️♥️

[@susannemuller6681]

Super!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@LucidWanderer]

Aetius: I never thought I'd die fighting side by side with a Barbarian Thorismund: What about side by side with a friend? Aetius: Aye, I could do that.

[@SkaldBard]

Love it

[@thegreatselkie6009]

♥️♥️♥️

[@utredmaethor769]

Thorismond ? I've heard of a Theodoric king of the Wisigoth but never of a Thorismund, who is he ?

[@michalplaneta1586]

@@utredmaethor769 Son of Theodoric. His charge routed the Huns.

[@utredmaethor769]

@@michalplaneta1586 oooh thanks ! ^^

[@samuelfreisinger5580]

A song like this helps us to remember who we are, where we come from, and whose shoulders we stand upon.

[@kbeetles]

I stand on the shoulders of the Huns and the Magyars.....

[@theman0534]

​@@kbeetlesI stand with my Hun ancestors as a Turkish

[@jaimemartin222]

@@theman0534 Bro you are greek or armenian. LOL.

[@Varangian_Axe]

@@kbeetles You are not a part of the glorious corded ware the first steppe empire. You are children of our children who went to Sintashta and Andronovo. The oldest chariots are with their children. We share ancient north Eurasian from our own steppe ancestors with you and the native Americans. But we are the western steppe herder, the earlier European farmer with some western hunter gatherer. Our paternal lineage predominantly our steppe lineage the Proto Indo European western steppe herders. We are related by the steppe actually. But we were first 😐 to spread. Iranian Proto Indo Iranian is from Sintashta Andronovo who from Indo European. Indo European spread with different people and make different people. Now like France and German no longer old Frank Germanic tribe England not Saxon Germanic tribe who worship Woden like the Scandinavian Odin. You see. It all goes back to the sky father, earth mother! Uranus! Gaia! We are a ancient people

[@Briselance]

I stand on the shoulders of Gauls and Romans.

[@joeysonofander7479]

I am impressed you pulled off the switching between two different languages so well. I also never fail to be surprised at how much of the Gothic language has survived.

[@SkaldBard]

Thank you! And yes, God bless Wulfila

[@Fact-fiend_1000ASMR.]

​​@@SkaldBardYou being Catholic, the theology of Wulfila is anathema but there is no doubting his genius is crafting the language. It's closeness to Koine Greek makes the Gothic Bible the single best word for word Germanic language Bible. Luther is an amateur in comparison. I would love more Gothic songs.

[@ΒασίληςΒλάχος-τ3κ]

For me it's the opposite; Given that the gothic language was spoken in large parts of Iberia and Italy for hundreds of years, in addition to it having it's own script with a well established transliteration system, you'd expect it to have a decent tradition of literature, certainly not on the level of Greek and Latin, but still some texts and poetry. Instead all that survives are some translations of the bible. Personally i am disappointed, especially since this language looks and sounds so incredibly cool.

[@bottleknight5463]

Damn Skald, that beat slaps, and the two languages mixed together is a treat for the ears

[@chaarithadheerasinghe8044]

"Flavius Aetius takes control of the bloodstained battlefield. Attila the Hun is defeated, but we show him mercy".

[@KashTube-n8y]

Greatest mistake the Romans could have committed.

[@Apaurie]

@@KashTube-n8y Mistake: yes and no. Letting Attila escape was a manoeuvre to destroy visigothic or even other germanic tribes by creating clientelism. Aetius did that in a similar Stillicho' approach. Stilichos has been kiled for that reason. A man who gathered ancients foes to his cause is a threat to any emperors, especially that time.

[@samueldamuel1689]

No matter what happens you’ll always have a community who’ll support you, I hope you’re not to devastated, the songs amazing so we’re all proud

[@SkaldBard]

Means a lot, thanks buddy.

[@dichterdenker3111]

Did I miss something? Why would he be devastated?

[@SkaldBard]

@@dichterdenker3111 It was in reference to the fact I had to reupload this song and lost some of the wholesome comments people had left on the first video, nothing major!

[@zachary8491]

​@@dichterdenker3111first thought he had lost a family member or such... 😅 oh well... things are ok then

[@TheSwissObserver27]

Great melody Skald! Really makes you feel the weight these soldiers had to have on their shoulders knowing they were Europe's last line against Hunnic incursions.

[@theman0534]

God bless Attila

[@lartfeus]

This is truly a masterpiece, one of those you can rarely encounter, "the hidden gem"

[@SkaldBard]

Ah, thanks a lot

[@Morgan-r1f]

Something feels so right about looking left and right to your comrades and knowing this is where you win or this is where you die....this song and all the others you produce hearken back to such times....thank you and keep up the good work

[@tork9646]

This makes me miss being in Iraq

[@SantiagosVideoChannel]

@@tork9646 Iraq does not miss Babylonians like you.

[@OlavEngelbrektson]

This is a milstone achievement! Using the two languages to convey both perspectives helped greatly deepen the song's atmosphere. Also, I would like to say, the historical event that was the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, along with the whole Migration Period really, represents one of the most underappreciated eras of history.

[@SkaldBard]

Thank you very much! And I agree, it's an amazing history and remains largely unknown by the average person

[@zachary8491]

​@@SkaldBardone of these turning points in history... aside the romans, theodoric's wisigoths and the hunnic cinfederation, many other tribes were present on the day of the catalaunic fields. A bit like Liepzig in 1813, a battle of the Nations : Europe deciding its fate for centuries to come in the span of a few hours.

[@anon6881]

Man I love multilingual mousic

[@ColinleGueux]

I was born very close to the place where the battle took place. Salute from Châlons en Champagne, Gallia.

[@SkaldBard]

Awesome, hail from Britain

[@MatthewVanston]

"J'étais là, à la Bataille des Champs Catalauniques. Combattant aux côtés d'Aetius et de Théodoric le Goth." - Le Père Armand, Age of Empires II

[@jaimemartin222]

@@MatthewVanston Brutal!!

[@LeRoyEngloys]

"God wills that we should win" That line never fails to give me goosebumps

[@Th3Kingism]

Same vibes as "In this sign, you shall conquer" that God delivered to Constantine the night before the Milvian Bridge.

[@henrykkeszenowicz4664]

This hits absolutely hard. I like late Roman history from Stilicho to Theodoric the Great(Goths were the last to preserve the civilization of Western Rome), and this Roman/Gothic song perfectly encapsulates these epic times and one of the most important battles in the history of entire Europe.

[@SkaldBard]

Thank you, my friend - glad you think it did it justice :)

[@isaacshultz8128]

Rip stilicho.

[@laisphinto6372]

I prefer the Roman Republic but late Roman Empire IS seriously Basically a decline filled with Real Life greek tragedies ,tragic Heroes , constantly shifting alliances. IT Sure isnt boring but its really frustating to See so many instances where rome could have Rose Up again Like in the third century but you didnt have the great emperors Like aurelian or gallienus unfortuanly competent men we're very quickly killed

[@josephbrown1153]

Honestly this is just brilliant. The battle of the Catalaunian fields is one of my favourite moments in history and this song really captures the epic drama of it all. I love the mixture of lyrics in Latin and Gothic as well.

[@SkaldBard]

Thanks for the comment, buddy - I'm glad you feel it does the event justice :-)

[@agrippa5643]

Outstanding. I don t usually write comments but you deserve to hear it. Gratulation amice!

[@SkaldBard]

Thanks, my friend!

[@Polish_Orthodox_Knight]

This song really helps while learning. I don't know why, but it boosts productivity

[@johnnyanderson2-roblox185]

This video should be named "How to immediately get people interested into this particular topic" This song goes HARD and is AMAZING to the point that I now want to learn about this.

[@JohnSmith-tm5sh]

Greatest battle in all of history

[@Voronboron]

Excellent presentation and high harmonization, not just songs, but works of this time and what was happening in those days!

[@DonPedroman]

Man, so incredible changing between Gothic and Latin in the same song, this must have taken serious practice

[@janosch7210]

Purely epical battle song! More of these please!

[@truesithempire9386]

Vibing to this whole night before exam

[@draculin1911]

Dear Bard. All your songs, every single one, are fantastic, but this one is more - it´s a hymn, anthem, reverberating deep in the bones themselves. The way you blended Gothic and Latin, the heartbeat of drums and crescendo, I have no words. The more I listen to it, the more amazed I am. You created something beautiful and so strong...

[@SkaldBard]

Thanks so much for this very touching comment!

[@cal_bnd]

This is amazing! I love this take on how it might have felt for historic enemies to join forces

[@JustExperience101]

Huns been real quiet since this dropped

[@saadiftikhar3317]

Don't ever stop. Your songs are bangers

[@davidlemagne1464]

I had recently been inspired to start studying the Gothic language by doing a translation of the Old Norse poem Hlǫðskviða, and when I found this song, I was inspired to also start studying Latin. I like everything you do, but this one is my favorite. So awiliudo þus!

[@salvatoreindelicato9368]

roman:so who are we fighting? goth:everybody who has small eyes

[@lopakacooper1668]

Loved it when the Visigoths said “It’s Visigothing time” and Visigothed all over the place.

[@Adil_Turysbek_TVRC]

Majority of Hunnic army were Franks, Gepids, Antes, Sclaves, Ostrogoths, Thuringians...

[@bruhmcchaddeus413]

⁠@@Adil_Turysbek_TVRCHunnic allies* and there were franks on both sides

[@vojtechotava1417]

I am speechless. It is that awasome!

[@BasilTheBased]

Beautifully done! This only makes me yearn for more songs revolving this era.. From Stilicho and Alaric, to Belisarius and the Gothic War. It's all so good! And so too, are you, my friend!

[@johnbatesibusquets8290]

As always, an awesome performance! I really liked the portrayal of the different cultures there fighting side by side against the common foe. It was well done. The stories of the Goths and Romans during this period are so fascinating to me. It's always nice to learn more about this time.

[@SunAppreciator]

It’s beautiful… I’ve listened to this for five hours now

[@robinrehlinghaus1944]

Thank you for making these tales known, and thank you for doing it so beautifully. There is much to know about the past which people do not care about, and so much beauty and glory not appreciated. Who could be found today who'd know any significant thing about this time? All these upheavals, migrations, changes, losses and great achievements, and people know barely the name of Attila the Hun, yet have forgotten everything else.

[@SkaldBard]

So true. Thank you, my friend

[@glishev]

Another really good work! The Gothic and Latin used together create a great atmosphere!

[@SkaldBard]

Thank you, friend!

[@user-mb4xy6tb4l]

Skaldic Bard You've found such a fun and creative way to share history with the modern world. Thank you, your music has an amazing beauty to it, in many regards. You are a true chronicler

[@SkaldBard]

Thank you so much for this, my friend

[@gabrielg.n]

Just marvelous! Goosebumps over my body!

[@ragingsmurfling7205]

Damn, sorry to hear about needing to reupload the video. It definitely sucks when minor inconveniences like that find a way to sour the mood. But anyway, the song is terrific. It must've been hard to switch between two admittedly different languages in pronunciation and structuring, but came out very well in the end. I also didn't know about that fact about Theodoric being the inspiration for Theoden. Sure, I'd seen the name 'Theodwin' as a Saxon name, but I didn't know precisely where Tolkien got the rest of the inspiration from. Keep up the good work and the audience will keep on loving it.❤

[@SkaldBard]

Thanks, my friend, appreciate the support! It was quite a challenge but great fun to do

[@karlsamsongardek2622]

Liked this song from the get-go! A most worthy addition to a long list of great songs 👍

[@sebastiansuteu1829]

Sir, i leave a comment again, you made many boys men with your songs, greetings from Transylvania 🇷🇴

[@stonebrix168]

Lots of people say that it was the crusades that cemented the concept of European identity, but i'd say it's the battle of of the Catalonian Plains

[@Casisking639]

You could say this was the genesis of a united Europe.

[@iantanner-nosker7552]

Definitely the song to listen to while playing AoE2's Attila Campaign!

[@jaimemartin222]

Same 🔥

[@AAQULIS]

I apreciate this piece of art not only because of the good combination of lyrics and instrumental, but aswell because of the Gothic. This beutiful extinct language is rear to be heard anywhere from now on. The only exeption i can mention could be the age of empires, but even that is not complete. You made a brilliant work out here💪🏻

[@coffeetime3293]

So much spirit in this! ❤

[@PTAVGG]

I love it! You make my dream comes true! Thanks!

[@Trotsky.-.83_years_ago_-_and]

It is 3 am, listening this while I am completing my late assignments. Thanks man!

[@briskit4887]

I've only recently discovered your music, but I'm digging it. I'm running a Pathfinder campaign in a magical version of our world (1890s, though), and your song about the Last Varangians inspired one of the factions. This might also inspire something in that world...

[@jamesbatesibusquets7617]

I was already loving this before the singing even started. Love the two languages together Skaldic Bard! You did an excellent job. I didn't know that about King Theoden and all. He's one of my favorite characters in LOTR.

[@lopakacooper1668]

Instantly mesmerized once I first listened to the beginning part. I’m enamored by the talent and effort you possess. Quite the banger, as per usual. :)

[@evangelosnikitopoulos]

Little known fact: this battle inspired the Battle of the Pelenor Fields in the LOTR.

[@agentbimlo4555]

This is just perfection i mean every detail made with so much precision and patience. It makes my day brighter to hear any musical creation of The Skaldic Bard. Accidentally i made my soulmate to like your music as much as i do and i am grateful for that. 😁

[@jandaly-ou3wf]

Another brilliant song from the Bard. Love the bringing together of Gothic and Latin along with such epic music. So much talent here ……. yet again I’m learning about another mighty battle from history.

[@LordOvWolves1996]

Bro, that was so epic. Pretty much describing a temporary alliance between Germanics and Romans to defeat the greater evil that were the Huns

[@theman0534]

evil is saluting you

[@knives7_7]

If you have one of those crazy loud car stereos you should definitely crank this one while you’re cruising 🔊🔊🔊

[@elisabettamacghille4623]

Everlasting glory and memory to the immortal heroes of the Catalaunian Plains.

[@wa6280]

I absolutely love it. Big fan of yours, keep it up 👍

[@solomon4554]

Monumental work!

[@Koraxus]

I'd love to hear a song like this from the perspective of the Huns and Scythians

[@MatthewVanston]

You never fail to deliver epicness. Keep it going!

[@septimiusseverus343]

Truly an Epic among Epics.

[@justsomeguywithoutParents8041]

Pov: The nerd and the bully team up, to beat the quiet kid.

[@laisphinto6372]

WHO IS the nerd?

[@bantamsertorius]

The Romans, I guess?

[@steyn1775]

The opposite really The nerd and quiet kid team up against the bully (The Huns)

[@sovietonion9542]

@@steyn1775agree

[@P9124]

Quiet psychopath?

[@Apaurie]

So this channel is a kind of farya farij but more into norse culture. That sounds good. Good job

[@grandmarshallsteve]

Awesome song Skaldic! Hoping to see a Teutonic Order or Knights Templar song soon!

[@pmw5967]

Always happy to hear new song from You, this one is something surprising to me, but still unique and epic🙃

[@blakeprocter5818]

Sometimes I get a distinct vibe of folk metal or "pagan" black metal from the music in these songs (I use quotations there due to most of these songs being Christian/Catholic). Just a way the riffs sound, and the song structuring, especially the way it builds into that slow epic sounding chorus at 1:13. That riff and melody/harmony sounds like something I've heard in plenty of pagan black metal before, just this is performed with authentic instrumentation as opposed to metallic instrumentation and with Christian-oriented lyrics instead of the typical Norse pagan/Slavic pagan ones. I have no idea if you even listen to any metal or not, or have any idea of what I'm talking about, but it's an interesting thing I've noticed and have come to love.

[@SkaldBard]

Interesting you should say that - metal has been my favourite genre my entire life (growing up with brothers that listen to it etc), and as I grew up, I became particularly into heavy/folk/borderline death metal, so elements from these naturally seep into my work. As you allude to, though, I dislike the anti-Christian themes in a lot of metal songs, so in a way I suppose I'm reclaiming the many beautiful aspects of the genre to fit my own worldview lel

[@blakeprocter5818]

@@SkaldBard Hey that's awesome man. Really cool to hear that. Are you familiar with the English band Forefather at all? They are a duo of two brothers that make a type of Anglo-Saxon black metal. They may be right up your alley. They did a version of the Medieval English song Mirie it Is.

[@StConstantinus]

It's Beautiful song

[@___p.mitrovic____]

Damn man, I'm hooked on these songs like heroin.

[@SpaceReptilioid]

I don't take testosterone shots. I listen to this!

[@mabeSc]

An Arab fan of Rome?

[@ПламенЗанев-ы1ю]

You earned my subscription and like just insane my blood boil in my vains

[@magusscythian]

In addition, Rome was plundered by the German barbarians, and not by Attila, who spared the city at the request of Leo the Great. Sometimes victory is not the best option (especially when, a year after the Catalaunian Plains, Attila invades Italy itself with a new army). What's funny is that Papa Leo tried to persuade Geiseric in the same way and... failed completely. The Germans turned out to be much worse than the Huns…

[@magusscythian]

In general, the overall effect of the departure of the Huns to preserve the empire was rather negative, since it led to the return of the threat from former enemies - Goths, Alans, Suevi, Burgundians and Vandals. Attila, strangely enough, was the last chance of the Western empire.

[@cmd7930]

Romans kept being racist towards Germans so they got what they deserved.

[@lartfeus]

"The tribes of Europe gather and fight for their fatherlands"

[@k.a.v.e.h]

As a Persian and Iranian, you and Farya Faraji are my two top musicians when it comes to ancient cultures and languages.

[@janstaniszewski536]

Together they're like Alfred the Great and Khosrow Anushirvan of musical greatness 😂

[@k.a.v.e.h]

@@janstaniszewski536 Exactly!

[@janstaniszewski536]

@@k.a.v.e.h I know this is off topic, but I must admit before you that you Persians and Iranians make me amazed with how deeply rooted you are as a nation. I mean, you have had the same name to your people since the damn sixth century BC. Some of you still practice the religion that was formed long before the Old Testament had even begun to be formed. (Reffering to Zoroastrianism of course). All my best wishes to Iranians and Persians my brother !!

[@k.a.v.e.h]

@janstaniszewski536 I really appreciate the kind words and wishes. It means so much, especially in this age. I am glad we have managed to keep our language, and as you said, Zoroastrianism is still practiced, and there is a fire that dates back to the Sasanian empire. It is still lit.

[@janstaniszewski536]

@@k.a.v.e.h Yess I heard of the Fire Temples. (The one in Yazd for example). I am especially interested in Zoroastrianism because it was technically the first monotheistic religion. I know "this age" is especially hard for you. It's beyond words sad for me to see a nation with such a heritage attacked and supressed by a clique of religious fanatics. It's sickening to think that in the land that gave birth to Cyrus the Great, women are being killed for letting their hair free. But if it is important for you, take heart! I am sure that better times will come and Iran will take its rightful place amongst the free nations as it strived to before the Islamic Devolution came.

[@RafalRacegPolonusSum]

This is peak culture : D

[@lopakacooper1668]

Truly a culturally cultured culture moment of all times.

[@Mjölnir-þ]

Great man. This is so cool. Can you make from the hunic side too?

[@ІлляВетров-й2д]

Amazing...

[@Augustunes420AD]

This song is utterly amazing. I have a suggestion. Would you consider making a modified version of this song, where you have barbarian singing in Gothic, and Roman singing Latin, offering their mutual admiration & comradary for each other. Truly a legendary time in history. Both barbarian and Roman had an appreciation for each other even while sometimes they were at odds. They had an odd respect for each other. Something that seems rare nowadays. If this request is already present in the video, which I don't think it is, forgive me. I'm not a linguist.

[@paulliston8561]

Epic once again!

[@BrotherStororius]

𐌰𐍄𐍄𐌰 𐌿𐌽𐍃𐌴𐍂 𐌸𐌿 𐌹𐌽 𐌷𐌴𐌼𐌹𐌽𐌰𐌼!

[@iberius9937]

Even more epic the third time that I listen to it!

[@fortiterinresuaviterinmodo5549]

United Western Europe!

[@HoboHistorian]

It’s really amazing to hear gothic in song like this, sounds amazing and so does the entire song. It really breathes life into the events it covers. Did any sources inspire the specific lyrics you chose?

[@LAC03098]

God bless you sir!

[@Bjorn_Algiz]

By the God's thank you for yet another piece of history my friend! Hail to such rich and powerful music 🎶 ❤

[@kaiserwilhelmderbreite]

Very great song 👍🏻 I played it to a pregnant woman and the baby was born and asked instantly, where its shield and sword were

[@SkaldBard]

Loool

[@Cody-5501]

What a banger!

[@hiddenhydewithinhim]

If I'll ever go into politics, my main goal will be to make this anthem of European union.

[@jamieswafford977]

Faura Guda Jah Othala, Habam Triggwa Mith Rumonim is such a powerful line. Even with enemies like the Goths and Romans, an even greater threat managed to see them ally with one another against it.

[@laisphinto6372]

Romans Always hated Cheatcoded Horde archers. horse archers are nuts BE IT parthians, huns or the Most OP mongols

[@Chevalierjacquesarthur]

True warriors living in the harshest times, the end of the world united in defending an ancient and holy civilization against barbarity

[@janstaniszewski536]

*Attila the Hun has joined the server* *Theoderic the Goth has joined the server* Flavius Aetius: And now I'm gonna do what's called a pro-gamer move. *Flavius Aetius is now allied with Theoderic the Goth*

[@zachary8491]

The final episode of the greatest serie that was never filmed.

[@oniric_psywar]

Ad victoriam!

[@Carlos-rk4ng]

For europe!!

[@Cotya_Ra]

Well done Keep it up

[@Adil_Turysbek_TVRC]

As far as I know at the Catalaunian battle so many romans and visigoths died that they did not even dare to oppose Huns in the raid of Attila next year.

[@luizantonio8228]

I can imagine "The Skaldic Bard" making music for a "The Witcher" game.

[@YeetyboisEmpire]

This is kind of a weird period of history. A taste of the many steppe invasions that were to come, germans and romans fighting, and a still rather Roman, Western empire was alive... and very christian

[@MBP1918]

Ultimate song

[@red.red.changes.in-the-sky]

me and the boys learning latin:

[@daguroswaldson257]

I loved this so much! I even wrote a book that contained this battle. Then a Romano-Frank, my main character, later marries a Visigoth woman after the battle. May I use this song in my sequel book? I'll credit you and if you want a bit of the profit, I can give that to you as well.

[@SkaldBard]

Hey there, can you email me with some details at [e-mail]? Sounds cool!