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.

Everyone gangster until Iohannes calls the Varangians

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

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

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

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

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!

Absolutely beautiful song, that honors the brave people of the North, that fought and died for the Byzantium Empire the last Roman Empire. Elit Bodyguards comprised of Christians and Pagans (not publicly however), united as one by Oath and Faith to the Emporer, an Oath that passed down from father to son. United as children of the North, like the Brotherhood at Jomsborg, Anglo-Saxon, Norse, Goth, Swede, Dane and Rus & Slav. Even if faiths divided them, they are children of the North Sea. Together with the Brave soldiers of Byzantium, they defended the last of the mighty Rome. Plus you deserve over a million subscribers for this song alone, hope you have it good.

You're a legend, Skaldic. Three languages in one song? Epic. Just epic, and your wife's part is amazing I've listened to so many of these I can actually tell the difference between Old English and Old Norse

Brilliant! I used to think that the song "Slayers of the Huns" was your biggest work because they sang in two languages at once, but this song struck me even more. Thank you to your team for your efforts. Your music brings something new to the vastness of YouTube, which, if it was possible to meet before you, it was extremely rare. With the warmest wishes to you from Russia.

We are long overdue a big budget movie that follows a band of Anglo-Saxon and Viking Varangians on some kind of madcap adventure across the Empire. All the dialogue must be in authentic Old English, Norse & Greek though otherwise there's no point.

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!

The amount of languages you and your wife can speak is impressive

Haven't even listened yet and I know it's going to be fantastic! Go from listening to Old Norse music and the notification for a new Skaldic Bard song comes up.

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

That switch to Greek <3

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!

English-Viking-Byzantine friendship is strong 🇬🇷🇳🇴🇮🇸🇬🇧💪

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!

I've been binge-hearing this one for a week. Bloody brilliant.