| Cradle of Filth – A Dream Of Wolves In The Snow Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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They were really just simple farmers who gained hero status because of their unique abilities. Often touted as sorcerers they were MORTAL; however their abilities included super-strength, swiftness of foot, and they also, possibly, possessed X-ray vision. They were known as Dragon Slayers and protectors of the people. They were pushed out by the spread of Christianity until only the legends remained. They are likened to the Arthurian Nights of the Round Table. You can still find it in 'Why There Are No More Bogatyri In Holy Russia' though the manuscript is extremely difficult to find in most cases. It is ancient Russian poetry, so be warned. If you like that sort of thing; here is a taste: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/lrc/iedocctr/ie-texts/text-sl-volkh.html Supposedly there is also another book out there called Volkh (The Magus) which is a bit easier to find and read, but I have not seen it. I personally posse a rather common book titled, “Words of Wisdom: Russian Folk Tales” from Alexander Afanasiev’s collection which, while it does not mention the Volkh, illustrates that talking animals are a large part of Russian Folk tales. There was also a single person/entity known as Volkh in Russian folklore. This rout is most likely since it has been said that he was the forefather of the Volkh in some way, thoug I have not been able to find any references to HOW exactly: ”…comes from the Kiev legend of Volkh Vseslavyevich, the shape-shifting magician, who (according to Nederlander) was sired by one of ‘the last and tempestuous descendants of the house of the Ureus Naga’. ‘Son of the Serpent’ is a name frequently given to Lord Volkh in ‘The Tears of Artamon’ and the heraldic badge of the Drakhaons of Azhkendir is a black winged serpent.” and "The Volkh is a shape-shifting guardian of Kiev. It may take the appearance of an animal or insect, and it posses’ magical powers" There is also this reference: http://www.russievirtuelle.com/mythologie/dieux/zognvolkh.htm TRANSLATION: (Vouk-ognézmiï, Dragon-wolf of fire, Dragon of fire, Létoun) Guard of the way of Vyriï , husband of Diva . In Slavic mythology, it is a wolf which takes sometimes the appearance of the other animals or birds. It is born in human form, with a little fur of wolf - sign of miraculous birth. While changing, it helps people, achieves exploits, is regarded as imperceptible and invincible. The key reference to volkh for me, was from a review I read on a book I have not read, “Lord of Snow and Shadow” by Sarah Ash: “The prime mover in the political drama is Eugene, Prince of Tielen. Legend has it that the empire will be reunited by the man who reunites Artamon's Tears, five matched rubies which once adorned the imperial crown. Eugene is determined to be the one, and the only man who stands in his way is Volkh Nagarian, Drakhaon of Azhkendir--if man is the right word, which it probably isn't. Like all of his line, Volkh is the host of the Dhrakaoul: a violent dragon spirit which subjects him to sudden vicious rages, and whose shape Volkh can take at need. Not even an army can withstand the flame of the Dhrakaoul, but this aid comes at great personal cost to the Dhrakaon, and at times an even greater cost to his people. This Volkh is undeniably a dark soul and his children would be too I should think. This book was inspired by and draws heavily from the Russian folk tales involving Volkh in their/his various forms. This book may very well be what this line bears ties to, but as I have not read it yet, I cannot say for certain. No matter how you look at it, the word Volkh in all its forms calls forth the presence of strong mystical powers and, at times, extreme darkness. I would hazard a guess that the Children of Volkh would have had some part this power passed down to them and, if called to run with someone and hunt by their side, it would be something to be feared no matter how you look at it. How this applies to the lyrics I am not certain, but I thought I would share the knowledge so that it might help with the analysis of the piece. btw: Volkh was also the name of a black/death metal band from Finland in the mid-late 90’s as seen here in the Encyclopedia Metallum: http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=29499 -rf |
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