World Greywolf
Prayer for Long Life and a Good Old Age

This possibly 8th century prayer is found in the 14th century Irish Book of Ballymote and features in the British Druid Order's ovate course. It seemed appropriate to record it during the Covid-19 pandemic, since the virus tends to have a more severe impact on the elderly and infirm. At 67, I qualify as an Elder myself, so there is some personal interest at work. That said, it is a beautiful, powerful and deeply pagan prayer. The accompaniment is played on an instrument called a chrotta, a type of lyre played across much of Europe from the early Iron Age through until at least the 9th century in Ireland, when it was replaced by the harp. My recreation of it has nine strings and was made by Koth na Fiach of Dark Age Crafts.