Lithuanian folk songs
Lithuanian ballads and mythological songs
16 songs in this genre
Lithuanian ballads are sung narratives of irreversible events: a young person drowns, a family member dies, betrayal brings catastrophe, or a human being changes into a tree or bird. Rare mythological songs preserve a different but related imaginative world of celestial families, fate figures, the world tree, and inherited belief.
The 16 pages in this collection retain the original Lithuanian words and provide English plot, motif, and cultural explanations. They also clarify when a piece is best treated as a narrative ballad and when its imagery places it closer to mythological song or belief tradition.
A Birch Stood in the Clearing Lithuanian love song: birch, rue garden, strangers, horses, cherries, seduction, injury, and renewal.
Blue Little DoveBlue Little Dove Lithuanian allegorical song: dove and crucian carp, brother, sister, cuckoo, pike, freedom, and loss.
God Rode SlowlyRare Baltic mythological song with God as guest, Sun's daughter, Laima, Mara, wax candles, ritual table, and Latvian parallel.
I Am an Only SonI Am an Only Son Lithuanian folk song: ballad-like family song on early death, cuckoos, fallen cap, grief, and English context.
I Had a White RoseI Had a White Rose Lithuanian mythological song: world-tree rose, God's garden, Son of God, Daughter of the Sun, and starry road.
I Lost My WreathI Lost My Wreath Lithuanian song: English context on maiden wreath, honor, cnata, seducer, promises, money, and reputation.
I Rode Through the ForestI Rode Through the Forest Lithuanian ballad: English context on a rider's death, blood turning to lilies, three cuckoos, and mourning women.
Mother, My HeartMother, My Heart Lithuanian song-lament: daughter asks for white burial clothes, white coffin, lost beloved in Gudian land, and archival recordings.
Oh, Yesterday EveningOh, Yesterday Evening Lithuanian ballad-like youth song: rue wreath, Dunojėlis boundary, suitors, exchange gifts, and tragic drowning.
The Bright Sun Rises (Mythological Song)The Bright Sun Rises Lithuanian mythological song: sun, laumė, star feast, beer brewing, exclusion, nine mornings, dew, and green rue refrain.
The Green Gate in VilniusThe Green Gate in Vilnius Lithuanian ballad: English context on military departure, cannons, silver bullets, linden swing, bride choice, and FAQ.
The Grey Horse Neighed at the ManorThe Grey Horse Neighed at the Manor Lithuanian captivity song: English context on ransom, grey horse, family wealth, linen dowry, and beloved's rescue.
The Little Bird SingsThe Little Bird Sings Lithuanian ballad-like song: English context on departure, falling from a horse, abandonment, silk kerchief, and FAQ.
The Young Cossack Died on SaturdayYoung Cossack funeral ballad: English context on burial dress, mourning parents, rowan on the grave, cuckoo, and military death.
Where Have You Been, My Young Man?Where Have You Been, My Young Man? Lithuanian ballad: English context on drowned ring, sea son-in-law, boat, oars, water, and fate.
Young SoldierLithuanian mythological song where a soldier's family becomes sky bodies: moon, sun, Pleiades, star, dawn, and heavenly home.