A Rare Illyrian War Song Unearthed in a 19th-Century French Publication

 In 1888, the French author and head monk Pierre Bauron published his book Les Rives Illyriennes (The Illyrian Shores) in Paris. On page 350 of this remarkable work, we find a rare and stirring Illyrian war song — a piece of oral heritage that speaks volumes about the character and values of our ancestors, HIstoria Shqiptare reports.

This song is not merely a call to arms; it is a testament to the Illyrian spirit — brave, deeply patriotic, and unwavering in the defense of the homeland. It reinforces an enduring truth: the Illyrians were a people who sought peace with their neighbors, yet always stood ready to repel aggression. They never struck first, but they never yielded when threatened.

The verses are dynamic, charged with emotion, and rich in the pathos of both war and love for one’s land. They are especially striking when we remember that our history has been shaped by centuries of relentless conflict, followed by long chains of injustices. And yet, neither time nor oppression has managed to erase this ancient people, with their rare ideals and virtues.

The song’s call rings out:

Brothers, forward, forward, warriors!
Infantry and horsemen on your sturdy steeds!
Sharpen the scythes, sharpen the swords!
Drive the enemy from these lands!
Let each of us sing a song
To the homeland of heroes!

With the scythe, strike down this plunderer,
Arrogant enough to rule our race and homes!
Oh! Let them fall, split apart by a hundred bolts,
These faithless ones who trample our rights!
Let each of us sing a song
To the homeland of heroes!

If the beast bares its claws,
The Illyrian strikes it down with his fist;
If the proud serpent raises its head,
The barefoot Illyrian crushes it underfoot.

When the raging north wind
Tears the old oak to pieces,
The heart grows even bolder in our chests!
We are the Illyrians, beloved brothers!

When the edges of the world tremble,
When the sparks of lightning dance in the sky,
And when the earth opens its belly,
The happy Illyrian sings the song of war.

The Illyrian strikes the foreigner with the blade
Only when it is to protect his brother!
Never does fear bow his head,
And even if the world should fall apart, he remains steadfast!

Pierre Bauron’s decision to record and preserve this piece of heritage gives us an invaluable glimpse into the Illyrian soul. It is a reminder that the courage, moral strength, and unyielding love of freedom that defined our ancestors still flow in our veins today.