Mystical, ethereal, vaguely medieval. Nordic Folk Music conjures images of Vikings, ancient castles and battlegrounds, and lands fit for fairytales. Distinct soundscapes are made with fiddles and flutes, lyres and lurs, jaw harps and nyckelharpas. Learn about this traditional genre and follow the evolution to today’s contemporary sound. Find inspiration in the haunting melodies for your next creative project.
What is Nordic Folk Music
Folk music, in general, is a genre of traditional music passed down through generations, and typically from rural areas. Nordic Folk Music is rooted in the traditions of Nordic countries, which include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Each country has distinct cultures and traditions but shares many similarities based on geographical proximity and history.
The genre’s sound is deeply rooted in the natural landscapes of the Nordic countries. It’s easy to imagine deep fjords, rolling hills, polar lights, and the midnight sun while listening to a Nordic folk piece. This connection to nature makes it particularly appealing for creative projects seeking a sense of place and authenticity.
History of Nordic Folk Music
The history of Nordic Folk Music reflects the region’s cultural evolution. Its roots can be traced to ancient times when runes were used instead of the modern written word. Early instruments came from nature, carved from bone or wood, and leather stretched to make drum skin. Musical compositions included parallel fifths and quarter tones, which give Nordic Folk Music an exotic sound to Western ears.
By the medieval period, the influence of church music and European courtly traditions began to shape Nordic folk styles. During this time, the fiddle emerged as a central instrument, and many folk dances and melodies still performed today were developed.
Selected Early Nordic Folk Instruments
- Nyckelharpa – Swedish for ‘key harp’, it produces a resonant and droning sound.
- Hardanger Fiddle – A Norwegian fiddle with sympathetic strings, often ornately decorated.
- Langeleik – A Norwegian instrument with only one melody string and up to 8 drone strings.
- Jaw Harp – A small, percussive instrument with a flexible metal or bamboo tongue or reed attached to a frame.
- Tagelharpa – Translated to tail-hair harp, it’s a bowed lyre with two to four strings.
- Lur – A long natural blowing horn without finger holes
Current Nordic Folk Characteristics
The popularity of Nordic Folk Music waned over time with the rise of urbanization and mainstream music trends. However, a revival in the 19th and 20th centuries sparked a renewed appreciation for these traditions. Today, musicians breathe new life into old songs and instruments, blending them with contemporary genres. Bands like Danheim, Heilung, and Wardruna exemplify this evolution, incorporating Nordic Folk elements into rock, metal, and electronic music.
Despite modern influences, certain core characteristics remain. Nordic Folk Music continues to emphasize modal scales and rich textures, creating a sound that is both timeless and otherworldly. Traditional instruments like the Hardanger fiddle and nyckelharpa are still widely used, and vocal styles like kulning (an unaccompanied song used to herd pasture animals) have experienced a resurgence in popularity.
Meet your Nordic Folk Music Pond5 Artists to Inspire your Next Creative Project
- A Pond5 Artist since 2014, and a touring musician for 15 years prior, Audionysian has a comprehensive library of thousands of tracks to match your project. The track Norse Fiddle And Chant (Full Track Loop) Scandinavian Medieval is a quintessential example of Nordic Folk Music, perfect for documentaries. It immediately transports the listener to vast Nordic landscapes.
- Karolis Jurevičius, aka ImperiaAcoustica, a Pond5 Artist since 2021, has a diverse catalog of tracks including orchestral, cinematic, trailer, folk and electronic music. The aptly named track, Path Of The Valkyrie – Contemporary Cinematic Viking Music, has an expansive sound fit for the cinema. You can imagine sitting in a dark theater watching maidens guide the souls of the dead to Odin’s Valhalla.
- culedanaudio is a composer based in the North of Ireland and a Pond5 Artist since 2017. This track, Viking War March (Medieval, Folk, Scandinavian, Nordic, Orchestral), starts with a slow build and crescendos into pipes, horns and drums, like a rallying cry. Perfect for an immersive video game to bring the player into battle.
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