I found it hard to write the headline for this blogpost. I didn’t want it to sound like a commercial. But that’s kind of hard when we’re talking about the phenomenon that is Midgardsblot. What those people have pulled off, is downright impressive and I have never, ever seen anything like it.

For those of you who haven’t yet heard of Midgardsblot, let me tell you that it is, in my opinion, the most important cultural event in Norway and possibly in northern Europe. It is a music festival featuring some of the best bands in metal and world music, but it is so much more. Midgardsblot is a rare blend of Viking culture and music, and it is actually both a concert area and a Viking camp. And I mean that quite literally. Yes, you can actually walk among Viking tents and you can sit by our campfires and drink mead and ale while listening to your favourite music. Okay, that sentence sounded a bit like a commercial, but I’m not paid to write this. I’m just so excited about this phenomenon and I feel it’s a unique place where likeminded people come together to celebrate Viking culture and the Norse way of life.

I believe Midgardsblot is changing the cultural landscape of Norway. And that’s about time. In my personal opinion, it’s a slap in the face of the arrogant, established, governmentally funded, politically correct, boring and downright stupid music festivals that have been pumping out their silly beats, shoe-gazing artists and lukewarm beer for ages. Midgardsblot is about attitude and it is about freedom. It is about connecting with our Viking past and making it our present. It is about something that goes far beyond the music, something that touches your soul and identity.

I will be there, reading from my books (in English) and talking about the rise of the Second Viking Age. I will be staying with my Viking clan and anyone who wants to spend time with us, is welcome to do so. I can’t wait to finally meet some of the people I have so far only talked to through social media! Following the tradition of my ancestors, there will be a place by my campfire for you and I will have time to chat. If you want to talk about the gods, about Norse traditions, my novels or anything else, I’ll be there.

-Bjørn Andreas Bull-Hansen

Another blogpost you might like:

Living in the Past

Check out Midgardsblot at midgardsblot.com

Photo by Artur Gora

Photo by Artur Gora

The old grave mounds