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Themes from Paganism and Mythology are seen most clearly in heavy metal by observing the metal scene in the Scandinavian region. Several subgenres that are very popular in this area include Folk metal, Pagan Metal, and Viking metal. Folk metal is blanket term referring to metal with some aspect of indigenous influence. In Scandinavia this influence focuses on the history of ancient Norse civilizations. Metal from this region often expresses hostile feelings against the Christian religion, which can easily be seen in events such as the church arsons that occurred in Norway. Contempt for Christianity can be seen in the debut album of Finnish folk metal band Finntroll. In their album “Middnattens Widunder”, Finntroll tells an epic tale of The Rivfader (Rip-Father) and his territorial battle against encroaching Christians. Several Scandinavian metal musicians display these negative feelings in order to remind themselves of the violent Christianizing of Scandinavia that started in the 8th century.
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Heavy metal scholar Imke Von Helden notes that important themes in Pagan and Viking metal include Heathen religions, alcohol, and Old Norse Mythology (Helden 3). Scandinavian metal bands will commonly draw inspiration from powerful Norse gods such as Odin and Thor, as well as the ancient Norse texts, referred to as the Edda. Norwegian metal band Enslaved produced their entile debut album “Vikingligr Veldi” (right) in the Old Norse language (Helden 2). Themes like these that are seen in the Scandinavian metal scene act as a reminder of Ancient Norse ideologies for future generations to remember.
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