THROUGH THE GATES OF THE WORLD BEYOND

Your path tonight is long and hard
A narrow trail of red, into the dying Sun
Through nine stones of runes you enter the holy fire
Close your eyes and songs of death you hear:

"Tonight the Gods reveal
To you the secret
The greatest secret that
One day we all
Shall know"

Your sword is by your side, your clothing fine
Walk firm along the paths your fathers and their fathers trod
We hide the traces of your steps and say:
"Do not return, if not shown the way!"

Forward to the Otherworld your journey leads
Your soul ascends in clouds of white smoke
While your body through the sacred flames of fire walks
Velin, master of the Dead, take it as a sacrifice!

But know as long as
Your children and their children
The land of ancestors can see
You can return here free

On dark, cold autumn evenings
When mist covers the Earth
You are again awaited home
A table in the barn is grandly set
Through the gates of fire of Otherworld
You come back home again