Lively medieval tavern celebration with dancing couples, merry guests

**“Jak o’ the Shadows” – The Wheel of Time** One of the most memorable songs from Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy series *The Wheel of Time*, “Jak o’ the Shadows” is a spirited marching song sung by the soldiers of the Band of the Red Hand, commanded by Mat Cauthon. With its cheerful references to drinking, dancing, gambling, and romance, the song reflects the soldiers’ determination to enjoy life despite the ever-present threat of death. In the world of *The Wheel of Time*, Jak o’ the Shadows represents death itself. Rather than fear their inevitable meeting with him, the soldiers boast that they'll gladly dance with him when their time comes. Beneath its rollicking humor lies a surprisingly poignant message about courage, camaraderie, and facing mortality with a smile. It's the sort of song one can easily imagine echoing through a crowded tavern or being sung by hundreds of soldiers marching into battle. We'll drink the wine till the cup is dry, And kiss the girls so they'll not cry, And toss the dice until we fly, To dance with Jak o' the Shadows. We'll dance all night until the moon runs free, And dandle the lasses upon our knee, And then you'll ride along with me, To dance with Jak o' the Shadows. We'll sing all night, and drink all day, And on the girls we'll spend our pay, And when it's gone, then we'll away, To dance with Jak o' the Shadows. There's some delight in ale and wine, And some in girls with ankles fine, But my delight, yes, always mine, Is to dance with Jak o' the Shadows.