The People's Hymn (Caelannach)

Iomann an Phobail

English: The People's Hymn
Ceremonial Anthem of Caerlannach
Lyrics	Liam Uí Caerlann, 1988
Music	Liam Uí Caerlann, 1988
Published	1988
Audio sample
Caerlanni Border Guards Band version file help

"The People's Hymn" (Gàidhlig: Iomann an Phobail) is the anthem of Caerlannach, composed by the revolutionary musician Liam Uí Caerlann during the nation's war for independence. Created to serve as a unifying anthem for all seven tribes in Caerlannach, the piece was intended to embody region’s collective spirit and resilience.

Originally composed with only two verses, The People's Hymn drew its melody and style from the traditional Caerlanni folk song, Morning Fields' Work (Gàidhlig: Obair Mhachaire na Maidin), a song widely known and sang across the tribes. This choice of inspiration made the anthem immediately familiar to the people, strengthening its acceptance and emotional resonance throughout the region. While Iomann an Phobail initially featured lyrics, Caerlannach’s Council of High Tribes chose to omit them in the official anthem to honor and preserve the cultural individuality of each tribe. As such, the instrumental version is played during all national and international events, particularly in contexts of diplomacy or formal gatherings.

Background

"The People's Hymn" has its origins during Caerlannach’s struggle for independence, specifically composed by Liam Uí Caerlann, a revolutionary and poet, while he was living in Gotneska. During this period, Uí Caerlann was inspired by memories of home and the folk song "Morning Fields' Work", which resonated with the collective labor and spirit of Caerlannach’s semi-nomadic tribes. Initially, the song was published under the title "Song of Caerlannach’s Morning" (Gàidhlig: Amhrán Mhaidin Caerlannach), and its imagery of dawn breaking over the fields served as a symbol of hope and renewal for a people seeking autonomy.

Following the War for Independence, revolutionary leader Ronan Luathach, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Caerlanni Free State, adopted the song as an unofficial anthem. During the early deconstruction period, Luathach chose the piece to represent the unity and resilience of the tribes as they laid the foundation for the autonomous confederation. Though meant to be a temporary anthem, "The People' Hymn" gained symbolic importance as an expression of the free spirit and unbreakable bonds between the people and the land of Caerlannach.

Modern use

In modern times, "The People's Hymn" remains a prominent but unofficial anthem of Caerlannach, particularly used during ceremonies representing the Autonomous Tribes on the international stage. While some tribes use the anthem in formal gatherings, its overall usage is varied. To preserve tribal individuality, the anthem is typically performed without lyrics, allowing each tribe to interpret its melody through their own traditions. This non-lyrical format also serves to highlight the principle of unity-in-diversity that characterizes Caerlannach’s anarchic confederation.

Some tribes, however, have created their own lyrical adaptations of the anthem, tailored to reflect their unique perspectives, values, and histories. These alternative versions often incorporate local dialects, folk styles, and even slight modifications to the melody. This ongoing adaptation of "The People's Hymn" mirrors the fluid and adaptable nature of Caerlannach’s society, maintaining the anthem’s relevance across generations while honoring its origins in the revolutionary era.

Lyrics

The lyrics are infused with a deep sense of unity, resilience, and the timeless spirit of Caerlannach. Written in the fervent days following the War for Independence, the anthem’s lyrics call upon the people of Caerlannach to come together in a shared commitment to preserve their heritage and freedom. The verses encourage all Caerlannai, regardless of their tribe or background, to stand firm against the forces that threaten to impose on their autonomy and way of life.

The anthem also includes allusions to the historical struggles and victories of Caerlannach’s ancestors, drawing on images of resilience passed down through tribal memory. The lyrics carry a powerful reminder of past rebellions and sacrifices, inspiring pride and unity among its people. Written in earthy, evocative language, Iomann an Phobail has risen to national prominence due to its unifying message, vivid portrayal of the Caerlannach landscape, and call for solidarity.

Gàidhlig version	English version
I Ar maidin faoiltiúil, ar shliabh ‘s ar mhachaire, Na treibheanna áille, tá saor ar an ngrian, Le ceol ‘s le comhacht, tá ár dtuairimí fite, Is é ár n-anam beo sa tír, Caerlannaí fíor. II Amharc ar na gleannta, is ar chaisleáin ár sinsir, Ó ghlóir go gcaoin, fanann siadsan i bpáirt, Tá an cine saor, le draíocht na cruinne, Filleann ár ndóchas, ar an tuairisc ársa sa ghráin.	I On mornings bright, on hill and on field, The tribes of beauty, free in the sun, With song and with strength, our hopes entwine, In our living soul, true Caerlannach stands. II Look on the valleys and castles of our kin, From glory to wane, they remain with us still, A people unbound by the magic of life, Our hope returns, in ancient promise shines.

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