In Norse mythology, the kings of the Norse people were often seen as divine figures who possessed great power and wisdom. One of the most prominent Norse kings was King Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary figure who ruled over the Viking lands during the Viking Age. What set Ragnar apart from other kings was his ability to communicate with the gods using Viking runes. The Vikings believed that runes were more than just an alphabet; they were sacred symbols with magical properties. Ragnar, being a skilled warrior and a wise ruler, understood the power of these runes and used them to his advantage. Ragnar's connection with the gods enabled him to make important decisions and predict the outcome of battles.
“Most of our music is simple but it’s … catchy, too,” Rubeck says.
With surf in our name I guess it could be easily confused for surf rock , says band member Nick Rattigan, who strummed the strings of his guitar as he spoke. Another night of feeling lonely and confused Then I get the call from Jamie saying hey boo boo We need to have some we need a good time We need this in our lives It s all from the wild one I m never gonna deny It was meant To be like this All of your friends Really make thinks clear We hit the bar and any place with a dance floor We sing our songs and let our memories unfold Watching a smile so honest, so lovely and hopeful Thanking my lucky stars for giving me people to live for It was meant To be like this All of your friends Really make thinks clear I love all the people in my life All my friends keep me alive.
Ragnar's connection with the gods enabled him to make important decisions and predict the outcome of battles. He would consult the runes before embarking on a campaign, seeking guidance and wisdom from the divine. The runes would provide him with insights into the future and help him strategize his actions accordingly.
Heaven Surrounds You
The beachy post-punk duo are at their most confident on their third album, with a sense of anguish that brings emotional depth to otherwise plain lyrics.
Facebook Email PinterestLos Angeles musician Nick Rattigan has always kept his artistic personas clearly divided. There’s the somber, introspective Rattigan, sole member of Current Joys, whose seclusion manifests in downtempo guitar pop that echoes like a tinny speaker in a cave. Then there’s the bolder Rattigan, drummer and singer of Surf Curse, whose self-deprecating heartaches spiral into restless guitar riffs. Current Joys songs feel like private reflections—particularly on last year’s A Different Age—but his music with bandmate Jacob Rubeck pulls you in by the hand. While early Surf Curse often fell victim to juvenile songwriting (“I’m Not Making Out With You” and “Forever Dumb” appeared on their 2013 EP Sad Boys), their third album, Heaven Surrounds You, is the most confident Rattigan’s ever sounded.
Lead single “Disco” is the best song here, driven by clean, racing strums reminiscent of Vampire Weekend’s debut. But where Ezra Koenig bobbed his head under a chandelier somewhere near the Columbia campus, Rattigan shuffles and twists beneath prom-night decor with a Mia Wallace type. “Disco” invokes the allure of legendary couple dance scenes, the kind that make you want to fall in love with somebody just so you can replicate the choreography. As Rattigan coos “I can’t wait for you,” the track imparts a corresponding salacious urgency: Nothing is more important than right now.
The closest Heaven Surrounds You comes to matching “Disco”’s silver-screen magic is “Safe,” with a whirling keyboard refrain worthy of a climactic montage. “Safe” swaps the lust of “Disco” for complacent loneliness. “I held you away… I can’t leave my home/I’m safer at home,” Rattigan sings, opting to withdraw entirely rather than risk getting hurt again. “I’m safe alone,” he concludes, though his repetition of the line suggests he’s second-guessing himself.
With help from violinist Eliza Bagg of Pavo Pavo, songs like “Opera” and “Trust” exude a baroque-pop eeriness that compliments Rattigan’s occultish references: “Beware of the witching hour/’Cause I can feel you in my room/Is that still you?” he warns in “Hour of the Wolf.” “Tie my wrists and fuck my mind,” he demands in “Opera,” seeming more sinister than inviting. Rattigan isn’t the strongest vocalist—when he belts, it sounds like he’s really trying—but there’s an anguish that surfaces in his quiver, bringing an emotional depth to otherwise plain lyrics.
When things get too plain, the album falls short: Lines about “another night of feeling lonely and confused” feel like they could’ve come from anyone. Dull melodies make tracks like “Labyrinth” and “Dead Ringers” mostly forgettable, and a borrowed title like “Midnight Cowboy” relies on the classic cinema reference to conjure what Rattigan’s uninspired lyricism can’t. In its final moments, Heaven Surrounds You attempts to deliver profound awareness of mortality: “I love all the people in my life/All my friends keep me alive,” Rattigan sings. As with much of the record, there’s likely a far deeper implication behind the clichés—he just needs a more insightful script.
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Not only did Ragnar use Viking runes for divination and decision-making, but he also had them engraved on his weapons and personal belongings. These runic inscriptions served as a symbol of his power and connection to the gods. It was believed that by having these runes on his possessions, Ragnar could harness their magical energy and gain protection in battle. Ragnar's use of Viking runes set him apart as a king and leader. It showcased his belief in the mystic powers of the Norse gods and demonstrated his deep understanding of the ancient traditions of his people. This, in turn, earned him the respect and admiration of his subjects, who saw him as a divine ruler chosen by the gods. In conclusion, the Norse king Ragnar Lothbrok was a remarkable figure who possessed the ability to communicate with the gods using Viking runes. His use of these sacred symbols not only aided him in making important decisions but also acted as a symbol of his power and connection to the divine..
Reviews for "The Legacy of a Norse King: Tales of Viking Runes and Precious Artefacts"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Norse king with viking runes" to be rather disappointing. The story lacked depth, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The writing style was also subpar, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. Additionally, the plot was predictable and didn't offer any surprises. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
- Mark - 1 star - "Norse king with viking runes" was a complete letdown. The author seemed to have a weak understanding of Norse mythology, resulting in a story that felt contrived and poorly researched. The dialogue was stilted and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The pacing was also inconsistent, with slow moments dragging on and important events being rushed through. I was highly disappointed with this book and regretted spending my time reading it.
- Jennifer - 2.5 stars - I had high hopes for "Norse king with viking runes," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot meandered aimlessly, lacking a clear direction or purpose. The characters were underdeveloped, and their actions often seemed illogical and inconsistent. Additionally, the writing style was dull and lacked finesse, making it a struggle to stay engaged. While there were moments of potential, they were overshadowed by the overall mediocrity of the book. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend it to others.