Song Triad

Since song is such a critical element of (my definition) of the High Fantasy, I think it only right that I include a triad of them. One for the morality to live by, one for the secrets to uncover, and one for the journey taken. All three being key pillars in any worthy High Fantasy.


In my not always humble opinion, I think this first one embodies all the joy and light, tempered by honor, of High Fantasy morality.
The song was written by Mercedes Lackey, one of the best of the Fantasy author breed and a fine lyricist to boot (obviously, given the song). Specifically, it is about the incorruptible and unchaste – though not in the extramarital sense – Heralds of Valdemar.



"I pledge this day my sword, my heart to build and help preserve;
Although I live my life apart from those that I must serve.
The laws of truth I will obey in every thought and deed,
Stand fast while others turn away, uphold The Herald's Creed.

I vow to heal the wrongs I see as long as I shall live.
My heart will guide me faithfully and teach me how to give,
I'll render aid as best I can and to those who are in pain
And by the strength of my own hand restore the peace again.

"I pledge this day my sword, my heart to build and help preserve;
The deeds of those who lived before, have bound my life to theirs.
Their legends open up the door and taught me how to care
The touch of my Companion's thoughts bring friendship, song and joy.
It is upon that love has wrought and time cannot destroy.

I swear to guard and keep the crown defending all that's just,
No force will ever bring it down, this is our sacred trust.
My path is clear before me now, my choices all are made
In Honor's name I take a vow to face life unafraid.
Upon my soul I make a vow this light will never fade."




Of course, High Fantasy does not exist in books alone. Mostly yes, but I have played several truly high quality video games in which the storyline was, as I put it, book worthy. 
One of these games was Fire Emblem: Fates - Birthright, partly and justly known for the mysterious blue-haired songstress Azura. Here is her powerful, and frankly stellar and thought-provoking, song. Well, parts of it anyway (the lyrics are included in the video).



 
 
 
And last but certainly not least we come to that which make the Fantasy genre special: the epic journey; a journey in which adventures are had to pursue a goal the gaining of which in often dearly pain for in blood, tears, and hard lessons.
Who better to tell or sing of such than J.R.R. Tolkien's dear Hobbits?

 


"Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains of the moon.

Roads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have known."

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