Currents of Tradition: Analyzing Sea Shanties

Currents of Tradition: Analyzing Sea Shanties is an Official GemStone IV Document, and it is protected from editing.

Currents of Tradition: Analyzing Sea Shanties

A dissertation on sea shanties from the Library of Biblia.

Dissertation

In examining the contemporary evolution of maritime ballads, one finds that even the smallest examples of modern sea shanties offer a rich tapestry of meaning and function. These works, preserved in our Nautical Lore Repository, are far more than simple labor songs; they are dynamic narratives that encapsulate our seafaring society's collective experiences, aspirations, and anxieties. Throughout the following discussion, I will explore several such shanties -- each a modest yet telling instance of a broader tradition -- that reveal the multifaceted roles these ballads play in our culture.

Take, for example, Cera the Crow sea shanty. Set in the 5026, this piece introduces the formidable Lady Cera, whose defiant departure from the terrestrial entanglements of Allace marks her as both a rebel and a leader. Her dramatic resolve to challenge political tyranny and seafaring adversaries like the Krolvin is underscored by a recurring refrain that serves as both a mnemonic anchor and a communal rallying cry. In doing so, the shanty transforms her personal story into a broader symbol of resistance -- a narrative that resonates deeply with those who have long felt the constraints of oppressive power.

In contrast, the rollicking spirit of Knalyd is conveyed through its jubilant "O-hoy-oh-hee" refrain, which injects a sense of buoyant humor and resilience into the seafaring experience. Here, the shanty celebrates a resourceful captain whose wit and daring mirror the unpredictable dance of risk and joy on the open water. This lighthearted yet potent expression of maritime life not only unites the crew through shared rhythm and purpose but also underscores the inherent duality of life at sea -- a domain where hardship and festivity exist side by side.

Further enriching the modern shanty repertoire is To Teras Heave Ho, a spirited call to adventure that compels its listeners to set forth westward despite the looming presence of natural perils such as tempestuous storms and volcanic fury. The emphatic cadence of "heave ho" in this shanty does more than coordinate the physical exertion required to navigate treacherous waters; it encapsulates the indomitable human spirit determined to face the unknown. Each utterance of this phrase serves as a unifying beacon, encouraging a collective defiance in the face of nature's overwhelming might.

In a similar vein, To Sails represents the forward-looking evolution of sea shanties into our technologically advanced era. This brisk, command-driven piece transforms the mundane act of rigging sails into a powerful metaphor for communal solidarity and ambition. The repeated exhortation to "haul 'em high" not only ensures that the ship is prepared for the challenges ahead but also symbolizes the crew's aspiration to elevate themselves above the quotidian trials of life, echoing the age-old seafaring ethos of perseverance and unity.

Perhaps most hauntingly, Junderthal's Ghost Tale ventures into the realm of the supernatural, weaving an eerie narrative that blurs the boundaries between myth and reality. Set against the chilling backdrop of Jastatos, this shanty cautions its listeners with spectral warnings and accounts of cursed shoals where the remnants of a bygone era still linger. It is a vivid reminder that the sea is as much a repository of ancient, mysterious lore as it is a stage for contemporary exploits, and that every voyage is shadowed by the unknown.

Adding yet another layer to this vibrant tradition is the flotilla sea shanty: Fear For The Kraken. Inspired by the epic kraken defeat that crowned the Derelict Queen upon the Flotsam Throne, this shanty is unique in its continual evolution. Often reshaped during impassioned, sometimes drunken renditions in local taverns, its verses flexibly shift focus - occasionally celebrating other legendary defeats such as that of Kyncera or simply reflecting the unbridled spirit of the moment. The persistent refrain -- "Don't fear for us, Fear for the kraken" -- delivers a dual message: it asserts the confidence and resilience of the flotilla while warning of the lurking dangers in the deep. Its simplicity and repetitive structure not only facilitate communal participation but also underscore a collective maritime wisdom that venerates both valor and vigilance.

Expanding our examination beyond the continent of Elanith, we encounter a fascinating variant from the far eastern shores of Atan Irith -- a region whose coastal traditions yield a unique class of seafaring ballads known as irijala. A letter written by Isienaka, chief scholar of Atan Irith, details the vibrant and evolving nature of these songs, which range from ribald to romantic and are continuously reshaped by the spirited community of erithi sailors. One popular irijala, To The Waves We Go, exemplifies this dynamic tradition. Its lyrics, calling sailors to "raise the sail," "hoist the jib," and journey toward both "jade green seas" and "lotus shores" -- capture the eternal call of the ocean, evoking both the thrill of adventure and the poignant farewell of those left on shore. The recurring refrain, "And it's to the waves we go, my love," serves not only as a unifying rallying cry but also as a reflection of the erithi's deep-seated belief in renewal and the perpetual voyage of life. This shanty, like many irijala, has transcended its original form through communal reinterpretation -- its verses casually expanded or altered during lively gatherings, thereby underscoring the malleable yet enduring character of maritime lore that connects different seafaring cultures across our world.

Collectively, these shanties -- though only a small sample of the broader tradition -- demonstrate the enduring power of maritime ballads to shape and reflect our communal identity. Whether through tales of rebellion, playful celebration, daring exploration, or ghostly admonition, they serve as living documents of our culture, chronicling not just the practicalities of life at sea, but also its deeper emotional and symbolic currents. In this way, modern shanties continue to evolve while staying true to their roots, offering a vibrant reflection of the enduring human connection to the boundless, ever-mysterious ocean.

Cera the Crow Sea Shanty

In the year fifty twenty-six, Fed up with the land and politics,
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.
She took to the navy, the sea, and left Allace that fair county.
Bound to give the Krakens a blow.
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.

Captain of the Squadron was she and graced with Niima's eyes she be,
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.
She kept us safe from Charl's wrath and led us on a jolly bloodbath.
Bound to give the Krakens a blow.
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.

Fair of hair our Captain of the Sea and proud of all her Allace phratry,
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.
he heard her home port had succumbed to the blue dogs, the Krolvin scum.
And ordered her ship to port, yo!
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.

"Imperial orders be damned," and into that fleet, her ship slammed.
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.
She harrowed that fleet of Krolvin, from half past eight and through complin.
Watch out Dubra, she's come! Yo – Ho!
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.

All through the harbor Ubl rejoiced, shouts and cheers the people voiced.
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.
Kraken Squadron, Cera's Courage made the blue dogs feel discouraged.
Dubra went into his death throe,
From-
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.

Bravery has a price at sea and Charl demands a hefty fee.
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.
Sleeps in the deep, way down below and binds Dubra to lost cargo.
Lady Cera, don't you let go!
Lady Cera, Cera the Crow.

Knalyd

Sailin' out past the fin.
O-hoy-oh-hee, o-hoy-oh in!
Of ta met 'Haven's twin.
O-hoy-oh-hee, o-hoy-oh sin!

Ship ta shore, ship out fast.
O-hoy-oh-hee, circle tha' mast!
Sails a sea, tha's sea so vast
O-hoy-oh-hee, lines ta' cast!

Knalyd, she don't tell us lies.
O-hoy-oh-hee, cast off ties!
She only gives us good tries.
O-hoy-oh-hee, Meet tha' rise!

She's a wee port-ly lass.
O-hoy-oh give us some sass!
With true sailor-ly class.
O-hoy-oh put on your brass!

She's tha' Cap'n o' tha' Bait.
O-hoy-oh-hee, o-hoy-oh-fate!
And when they ask o' her state?
O-hoy-oh-hee, Wha's tha' bait!

Knalyd, she wont e'er meet.
O-hoy-oh-hee, oy thar fleet!
Knalyd, she trims her sheet.
O-hoy-oh-hee, oy ne'er beat!

Ran-tan gals, Ran-tan fer tha best.
O-hoy-oh-hee, Sure ye jest!
Ran-tan boys, Of ta' River's Rest.
O-hoy-oh-hee, Jist o'er crest!

If ye land, then ye land.
O-hoy-oh-hee, O-hoy-oh-dan!
If nae yer hoofin' it o'er sand.
O-hoy-oh-hee, Oh-run ole man!

To Teras Heave Ho

Over cloud, Borthuum sailed west,
West, Lad-ees, westward, ho!
Leave the winter, in heat we are best.
Westward, lad-ees, west we go!

Borthuum, you jackjaw, you sparrow, you lark.
Ease up, Lad-ees, ease up land lo!
Pull on the trowels, the land has a spark.
Ease up, Lad-ees, landward we go!

Tend the yardarms, keep the ropes in tow.
Mind the lines, Lad-ees, heave ho!
Ash in the air, there's a volcano below.
Heave, lad-ees, heave downward ho!

Borthum, you jackjaw, it's storms near and far!
Lash away, Lad-ees, lash and stow!
Refit her with purpose, that Glaesen star!
Sail away Lad-ees, now seaward go!

To Sails

"Heave to and make good that sail!"

"There's a lad a'howlin' atop mainmast,
'Land ahoy, boys, heave' em fast!'"

"For it's up aloft that sail must go,
up aloft from down below!"

"Haul 'em high, and haul 'em dry,
we'll splice 'em, trice 'em, let 'em fly!"

"For it's up aloft that sail must go,
up aloft from down below!"

Junderthal's Ghost Tale

When I was in tha' lee o' life, tha' wind new in me sails,
I voyage wit tha' Dancer's Gale an' began me sea-borne tales.
I 'twas sailin' past Ta'Nalfein, on tha' lonely night...
What I saw there, 'til my days end, fills me still with fright.

'Twas shadows say tha' skipper, the steel gone from his voice.
Nae, 'twas wind and rain, say Jim, an' tha' be tha' sailor's choice.
But mine eyes keen an' nae rum in me, I seen wha' was true.
'twere demon hallows, ghastly gallows, an' men all limed in blue.

'twas the month of Jastatos, that dim an' dreary season.
What sails the seas in Jastatos, Lady Winter's Legion.
On shallows of Charl's peninsula, in lonely waters lay.
Sail not the shoals of Ta'Ashrim, nor in their empty bay.

In tha' misty, chilly night tha' horrors trip o'er tha' decks.
Takin' up line, an' puttin' up yard, givin' tha' sea 'er respect.
Three thin's ah sailor loves, an' death kinnae deny it.
His mum, his wife, an' tha' sails wha' be moonlit.

We sailed amid tha' ghosts, nae knowin' if we'd joined 'em.
Tha' wind she did 'er promise, tha' moon she lit tha'r whim.
Tha' ghosts, tha' sails, an' tha' ripplin' tide,
Be wha' brought us on tha' far off ride…

'twas the month of Jastatos, that dim an' dreary season.
What sails the seas in Jastatos, Lady Winter's Legion.
On shallows of Charl's peninsula, in lonely waters lay.
Sail not the shoals of Ta'Ashrim, nor in their empty bay.

So be ye warned young sailors, an' e'e ye ole men.
When yer sailin' in Jastatos, dun sail tha' way agin.
Jist leave tha' shoals o' Ta' Ashrim, fer tha' ghost an' ken.
An' let tha' Lady o' Winter keep them in 'er den.

Fear the Kraken

A Flotilla Shanty

Upon the deep ocean
the flotilla's got backin'
Don't fear for us
Fear for the kraken

When waters boil and
waves come crashin'
Don't fear for us
Fear for the kraken

When seas get rough
and the flotilla is rockin'
Don't fear for us
Fear for the kraken

To The Waves We Go

Traditional Erithi Sea Shanty

Raise the sail and wave to the shore
C'mon lads, there will always be more
Roll with the waves, leave your love behind
C'mon lassies, there's always more time
Sing to the moon, and call to the sun
A sailor's work is never done

And it's to the waves we go, my love
It's to the waves we go
Sail to the jade green seas, my love
It's to the waves we go

Hoist the jib and set the course
C'mon lassies, sing yourselves hoarse
Take the wheel, follow the whale
C'mon lads, it'll make a great tale
The setting sun hits the deep blue sea
Gather round sailors, and listen to me

And it's to the waves we go, my love
It's to the waves we go
Sail to the lotus shores, my love
It's to the waves we go.

Sail to the lotus shores, my love
It's to the waves we go.

OOC Information/Notes

• Created by GM Thandiwe, 2/1/2025
• Lorekeeper Lady Rohese Bayvel - To Sails
• GM Thandiwe - Lady Cera, To Teras Heave Ho, Junderthal's Ghost Tale, Knalyd
• GM Xynwen - Fear the Kraken, To the Waves We Go