Beschreibung
Often dismissed as an image with which to attract tourists
and to endow athletes with associations of power and
endurance, the Vikings and Norse mythology seem to have lost
their appeal as an element of identity construction in
Norwegian society – apart from the phenomenon of metal
music, where these elements are essential. This study
analyses the functions of Norse themes as they are applied
in Norwegian metal culture with regard to the construction
and experience of cultural identity, shedding light on the
musicians’ diverse motivations and intentions.
Imke von Helden’s research focuses on the
adaption of history in metal culture from a Scandinavianist’s
perspective. She currently works as a research assistant at the
University of Koblenz-Landau.
