Who is Wardruna?

Wardruna is a Norwegian music group founded by Einar Selvik in 2003. The band plays music inspired by Norse mythology, Norse paganism, and other pre-Christian Northern European traditions. Wardruna’s sound is distinctive among folk music, featuring unique use of traditional instruments such as the tagelharpe, kravik-lyre, goat horn, and lur, as well as poetic vocals.

Einar Selvik and Wardruna

Einar Selvik is the vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer behind Wardruna. He began studying music at a young age and developed an interest in Nordic culture, especially after a trip to Norway in 1999. After the release of his first solo album in 2003, Selvik founded Wardruna and released two albums in 2009 and 2013. Since then, he has collaborated with several other musicians from Norway and abroad, such as Lindy Fay Hella, Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved), Garm (Ulver), and Jørn H. Sværen (Tulus).

Wardruna's Music

Wardruna’s music is deeply rooted in Norse mythology and paganism. The lyrics are drawn from the verses of ancient Norse poems, with additional themes drawn from the Eddas and Sagas. The songs often feature themes of death, rebirth, fate, honor, and nature. The instrumentation consists of traditional folk instruments as well as modern synthesizers and percussion. Wardruna has also made appearances on the TV series Vikings and Outlander.

Conclusion

Wardruna has created a unique sound that blends traditional folk instruments with modern electronic production techniques to create a hauntingly beautiful sonic landscape. Their music is deeply rooted in Norse mythology and paganism, making it both historically significant and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you are a fan of folk music or just looking for something new to listen to, Wardruna should definitely be on your radar!