The Sighing Mists

Program Notes

This text comes from the first novel in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle. In this fantastical story, there exists a society of elven creatures who speak in the ancient language, a way of speaking that was used to command magic. It is said that elves were great musicians and singers. They would use songs to weave spells and cast oaths.

"Du Silbena Datia" or "The Sighing Mists" is one of the most beloved elvish poems. It is a song that tells the tragic story of two lovers, Acallamh and Nuada, who were separated by longing for the sea.

I imagine the elven people gathering together and singing this music to their children. It is a window into a mythological world filled with magic and wonder.