Not a museum project
Wardruna describes its approach as new music made from old thoughts, tools, and methods. It is historically inspired without claiming to reproduce a lost Viking performance exactly.
Runaljod
The Runaljod trilogy responds artistically to the 24 signs of the Elder Futhark. Rune names, poetry, natural imagery, and personal interpretation become composition—not a surviving runic soundtrack.
Instruments and material
Kravik lyre, tagelharpa, horns, flutes, drums, voice, and natural sounds shape the music. These belong to different historical and traditional contexts and meet within modern musical dramaturgy.
Language and voice
Norwegian, Old Norse, and reconstructed older language forms create proximity to tradition. Repetition, breath, and forceful ensemble singing have a physical effect even when listeners do not understand the words.
Why the performance works
On stage, rhythm, light, material, space, and collective voice converge. Its power is real without proving historical authenticity: Wardruna’s achievement lies precisely in self-aware contemporary art.