Midgardsblot is an annual extreme metal and folk music festival in Borre, Norway. The festival has been organised since 2015 and takes place at Midgard Viking Centre, museum in a former Viking settlement[1] and largest burial mound site in Northern Europe.[2] The programme of Midgardsblot includes tours of the area, battle reenactments, documentary screenings, lectures and panel discussions, as well as a Viking village, a Viking market and a games arena for archery, axe-throwing, and other activities.[3]
| Midgardsblot | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Extreme metal, folk music |
| Location(s) | Borre, Norway |
| Years active | 2015-present |
| Organized by | Runa Luna |
| Website | https://www.midgardsblot.no/ |
Each year the festival begins with a blót ritual as a way for festival goers to come together. The ritual acknowledges old Norse gods, but not necessarily in a religious way. It is a way for people to get in touch with their past, connect to one another and the natural world. Individuals put their own meaning on the ceremony as they choose. The ceremony includes music by Folket Bortafor Nordavinden to open the festival. [4]
History
editThe first edition of the festival took place on August 20-22, 2015. It saw the live premiere of Einar Selvik's and Ivar Bjørnson's collaboration album "Skuggsjá". Other bands and musicians performing at the festival included Ihsahn, 1349, Myrkur, Solefald, Einherjer, Kampfar, Glittertind, and Thyrfing.[5]
On 25 April 2020, the festival organization announced that the 2020 edition of the festival would be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, Ym:Stammen played its first concert in 23 years at the festival.[6]
The festival had around 5,000 visitors in 2022.
2016 (18–20 August)
editFeatured bands and artists such as:Enslaved, Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik (Skuggsjá), Melechesh, Inquisition, Tsjuder, Månegarm, Skálmöld, Hamferð, Kirkebrann, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden
2017 (17–19 August)
editFeatured bands and artists such as: Týr, Sólstafir, Gaahls Wyrd, Unleashed, Aura Noir, Moonsorrow, Oranssi Pazuzu, Winterfylleth, Kari Rueslåtten, Heilung, Sahg, Tengger Cavalry, Trepaneringsritualen, Forndom, Superlynx, Virelai, Byrdi
2018 (16–18 August)
editFeatured bands and artists such as: Dimmu Borgir, Watain, Ensiferum, Rotting Christ, Garmarna, Hamferð, Årabrot, Mork, Abyssic, Saor, Grift, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden, Nytt Land, Kaunan, Darkher
2019 (15–17 August)
editFeatured bands and artists such as: Enslaved, Gåte, Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik (Hugsjá, Skuggsjá), Heilung, Deicide, Gaahls Wyrd, Memoriam, Tormentor, Vreid, Einherjer, Ereb Altor, Zuriaake, Urarv, Whip, Narthraal, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden, Golden Core, Tempel, Jointhugger, Byrdi, Eldrim, Voluspå, Gost, Svartsinn, Treha sektori, Raison d'être
2022 (17–20 August)
editFeatured bands and artists such as: Acârash, Agabas, Astralseid, Batushka, Borknagar, Darkend, Dep, Djevel, Døds Dømt, Einherjer, Eivør, Eldrim, Endezzma, Fleshmeadow, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden, Gaerea, Heilung, Helheim, Hinderfjall, Kalandra, Koldbrann, Konvent, Kjell Braaten, KM, Lindy-Fay Hella & Dei Farne, Los, lucifer`s Child, Marekvist, Myrkur, Mork, Nagircalmmiid, Nebala, Northumbria, Nytt Land, Primordial, Ragnarok, Rotting Christ, Rúnahild, Sophia, Sysselmann, The Devil & The Universe, Urgehal, Vanvidd, Vargvrede, Voluspaa, Vomitory, Wardruna, Ym:Stammen, Zeal & Ardor
2023 (16-19 August)
editFeatured bands and artists such as: Folket Bortafor Nordavinden, Finntroll, Lili Refrain, Sylvaine, Nanna Barslev, Kampfar, Nebala, Vargvrede, Wulfaz, Vǫluspá, ISÁK, Iotunn, Sowlulo, Nordjevel, Steve Von Till, Wolvenwind, Enslaved, Gangar, Katarina Barruk, Skáld, Eternity, Vevaki, Einherjer, Blackbraid, Týr, Rúnahild, Orm, Garmarna, MÍO, Frigg's Døttre, Mari Boine, Naglfar, Nemuer, Tsjuder, Mortiis, Ruun, My Dying Bride, Astraseid. [7]
Einherjer played two different sets. One set took place in the Gildehall including live, projected painting by visual artist, Costin Chioreanu. Chioreanu is a frequent collaborator with the band, including album covers and band merchandise. [8]
The festival included daily ritual suspension performances by Smertekirken, Church of Pain, in collaboration with Visobel Black and Morten the Maniac. Their performances were called Ritual of Resonance and Flesh. [9]
In 2023 a carved wooden statue of Heimdall, by Stian Antonsen was unveiled on the Viking Centre grounds. This unveiling coincided with Enslaved’s appearance at the festival and with their new album, Heimdal. [10]
See also
editReferences
editFurther reading
edit- Fitzgerald, Padraic M. (2023). Til Valhall: The Formation of Nordic Neopagan Identity, Religiosity, and Community at a Norwegian Heavy Metal Festival (PhD). University of Denver. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
External links
edit- Official Midgardsblot website (in English)
- Official Midgardsblot YouTube channel (in English)