The Verner Raven, The Count of Vendel's Daughter, and Other Ballads

The collection brings together two haunting folk ballads, rendered into clear, sing‑song English that retains the original rhythm. Their mythic world of medieval love, fate, and supernatural birds invites listeners into ancient oral tradition.

In the opening ballad a sorrowful maiden, Irmindlin, is trapped by a cruel step‑mother and a broken promise of marriage to a distant king. A raven, the messenger of destiny, offers to whisk her away, asking only for the child she will bear as payment. The uneasy pact propels her to a foreign court and a sudden wedding, hinting that the raven’s aid may exact a dark price.

The second ballad, “The Count of Vendel’s Daughter,” introduces another young woman ensnared by a malicious step‑mother and a secret confinement, setting the stage for further magical intrigue. Its lyrical tone promises more twists of loyalty and fate.