Norwegian Nordic Folk multi-talented artist Anette Aga revealed a music video for Nøkkevatnet, a song from her first EP, Skyggestrand Nøkkevatn, released back in 2022.
The verses of Nøkkevatnet serve as a lyrical cautionary tale aimed at children concerning the ancient well situated on the Holen farm, nestled in the outskirts of Bergen, Norway. This well draws its water from a crevice in the rocks directly overhead, sourced from the towering mountains above.
Children residing on the farm are instructed against leaning over the well’s edge or dipping their hands into its depths. Veiled in mystery, the well’s true depth remains unknown, its waters appearing ominously dark. According to the wisdom passed down by the farm’s elders, it’s not improbable for the nix, a water spirit of folklore, to call this enigmatic well home.
The single, as well as the EP, was produced by Kjell Braaten, known for his eclectic, yet Nordic inspired, folk/world music, as well as for his collaboration with numerous other performers, including percussion for Wardruna.
Lyrics:
Anette Aga – Nøkkevatnet
Så blank som ei glassmanet er Nøkkevatnet stort.
Så svart som et oljespeil som stjernenatt og sot.
Det siljar frå fjellet ner
Tå brønnane på garden
Og rett nedi kjelda som renner gjennom hagen.
Sudidansudidaa dudidadideia
Sudidansudidaa dudidadideia
Trygg er du hvis du hvis du henter vatnet ditt i spannet.
Men nøkken kjem å tek deg hvis du hentar det i handa.
Så gir du vatn te søyane,
som beitar rundtom floren.
Så laga dei slik silkeull
og lamonga te våren.
Og gir du vatn te kua di,
Så fine, store lyse.
Så lagar ho så gode melk
Te drikke, ost og myse.
Sudidansudidaa dudidadideia
Sudidansudidaa dudidadideia
Trygg er du hvis du hvis du henter vatnet ditt i spannet.
Men nøkken kjem å tek deg hvis du hentar det i handa.
Translation:
Anette Aga – The Nix Water
As transparent as a jellyfish is the great nix lake
As black as an oil mirror, like a starry night, the colour of soot.
The water trickles down the mountain to the wells on the farms
and right into the drinking water that flows through the gardens.
Sudidansudidaa dudidadideia
Sudidansudidaa dudidadideia
You are safe if you fetch your water in a bucket
but the Nix will surely get you if you fetch is with your bare hands
If you give this water to the female sheep that dwells around the property.
Their wool will become silky and their lambs will be many in the spring.
If you give this water to the great white cow
she will give good milk, for drinking and for cheese.
Sudidansudidaa dudidadideia
Sudidansudidaa dudidadideia
You are safe if you fetch your water in a bucket
but the Nix will surely get you if you fetch is with your bare hands
