Midgardsblot

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 [no], 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 Lunde Strindin
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

The 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]

The 2020 and 2021 editions of the festival were 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 daily in 2022.

2016 (18–20 August)

Featured 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)

Featured 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)

Featured 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)

Featured 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)

Featured bands and artists such as: Acârash, Agabas, Astralseid, Batushka, Borknagar, Darkend, Dep, Djevel, Dødsdømt, 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)

Featured 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]

2024 (14–17 August)

Featured bands and artists such as: Amon Amarth, Astralseid, Bel Canto, Brannos, Bærzerk, Deströyer 666, Dwaal, Eldrim, Emperor, Ereb Altor, Fabbrica 82, Fen, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden, Friggs Døtre, Grand Magus, Hindarfjäll, Heilung Hall, Inculter, Johnny Hexx, Kalandra, Karin Park, Kjell Braaten, Ledfoot, Lindy-Fay Hella & Dei Farne, Lumsk, Mortal Fear, Nattverd, Nytt Land, Salige Syndere, Seigmen, Songleikr, Testament, Texas Cornflake Massacre, Trio Oro, Uada, Unleashed, Vader, Vulture Industries.^[11]

See also

• Beyond the Gates
• Hole in the Sky