I think this song is sang through the minds of someone in the North (perhaps Scandanavia) that was invaded by Christians and knew the reason behind their conversion. They were powerless to do anything because this religion (like others, not naming) especially in those days when religion was of utmost importance, the Christians had an ingenious way to convert people (manipulating through fear). The person reflecting on this knew that the competition to have that one God that everyone believes in was just for control and ego. And also knew perhaps of how it would engulf humanity long after their death. The word "sentenced" towards the end can be translated to "this was their main point or this is part of what they said." Basically this leads me to believe that what was being said is "join us or (he doesn't say this but he says next) ... the world will come to an end/you will be saved."
I think this song is sang through the minds of someone in the North (perhaps Scandanavia) that was invaded by Christians and knew the reason behind their conversion. They were powerless to do anything because this religion (like others, not naming) especially in those days when religion was of utmost importance, the Christians had an ingenious way to convert people (manipulating through fear). The person reflecting on this knew that the competition to have that one God that everyone believes in was just for control and ego. And also knew perhaps of how it would engulf humanity long after their death. The word "sentenced" towards the end can be translated to "this was their main point or this is part of what they said." Basically this leads me to believe that what was being said is "join us or (he doesn't say this but he says next) ... the world will come to an end/you will be saved."