The Last Vikings The epic story of the norse voyagers
Kirsten A. Seaver
English | 2010 | ISBN: 1845118693 | 288 pages |
Late in the tenth century, the Norse Vikings embarked on a voyage of no return. Leaving Iceland first for Greenland, from there they sailed onwards to North America, setting foot on its shores five hundred years before Columbus's first journeys of discovery. But by about AD 1500 their settlements were abandoned and the Norse Greenlanders and their explorations of the New World receded into the realms of myth. What happened between these momentous events? How did the Vikings really live -- and die -- and why have so many myths and legends grown up around this mysterious people of the sea?
Drawing on her deep knowledge of the culture and history of the region as well as the most up-to-date evidence from archaeology, medieval history and the evocative Sagas, Seaver weaves together a compelling and authoritative history. Alongside their spectacular achievements and discoveries, she also vividly evokes the last Vikings daily lives and explains why their apparent departure from Greenland in 1500 was not quite such a dramatic schism in the historical record as is often assumed. This compelling history of a people living at the fringes of the known world offers an illuminating entree into the world of the Norse Greenlanders which will captivate all who have ever wondered about the fate of the Vikings and will stand as the definitive work for years to come.
Deeply rooted in tradition, Ofärd (pronounced approx. /ooh-færd/) is an innovative Scandinavian Folk Metal project that came to life in the ancient wilderness of Öland in 2011.
With lyrics based on nature, folklore, cultural heritage and factual episodes and legends from the Scandinavian megalithic antiquity, bronze age, vendel age and viking age, Ofärd intends to give a new dimension to folk metal.
The cover illustrates a Völva (an alleged seer and practicant of sejd)
holding a staff that resembles the Viking Age artifact
found in Klinta, Öland, in 1957.
The raised stones and surrounding nature capture the essence
of the typical cultural landscape seen in Southern Öland.
The original painting was made by contemporary artist Martin Enrique Pelozo especially for this single. Layout and complementary artwork by Segersäll and Morten Gråfäll.
Recorded during May/June 2012 at Gråborg Studios and La Nave de Oseberg Studios.
Sound producer: Rodrigo Gudiña.
Recording engineers: Jorge Perini and Rodrigo Gudiña.
Mix and mastering: Sebastián Manta.
Loops used in Völvans Spådom by Jens Engelbrecht and Peo Drangert (“Scandinavian Roots Vol. 1”)
In case you wondered, Ofärd do not believe in politics, fundamentalism, religious or racial intolerance, or any other kind of narrow-minded behaviour. They believe in Nature, Music and the strong bonds that unite lovers, family and brethren.
No folk instruments were harmed during the recording of this single!
Ofärd are:
Segersäll: Vocals, guitars, Irish bouzouki, jaw's harp, hurdy-gurdy, månmarkapipa, shawm, hulusi, tin whistle and duduk.
Morten Gråfäll: Nyckelharpa, säckpipa and programming.
Guest artists:
Matias Taubas Oyola: Bass.
Pablo Taubas Oyola: Drums.
Pablo Monteys: Soprano and Alto sax.
Johanna Ribnikov Gunnarsson: Backing vocals and Völva interpretation.
At the roots of the nine known worlds, where the shadow of the Tree becomes one with the Abyss, Grimnir stands ready. The roar of the underground rivers is defeaning but the Masked One cares not. Never before did he speak in vain and nor shall he now. For his is the knowledge of the words of power and it is in him to know how mightily, how high they should be sung. She sleeps in the mist, in the eternal veil of those whom the earthly element had claimed. She is gone and yet there she lies.
The truth is Grimnir needs her, as the crows needs the carrion, as a woman needs a man's seed, so does the Hanged One need his sejdkona. Thus he sings for her. And when the echo of his galdr dies out, the burial mounds are all light and carcass and spirit become one. She is here, she is now with us. Thus, she opens her dead eyes and begins her own song of vision and delusion
Music by Morten Gråfäll. Arranged by Mårten Gråfãll and Segersäll.
Words in Old Icelandic by Segersæll.
War Of Ragnarok Intro - Theme by Ofärd
At the roots of the nine known worlds, where the shadow of the Tree becomes one with the Abyss, Grimnir stands ready. The roar of the underground rivers is defeaning but the Masked One cares not. Never before did he speak in vain and nor shall he now. For his is the knowledge of the words of power and it is in him to know how mightily, how high they should be sung. She sleeps in the mist, in the eternal veil of those whom the earthly element had claimed. She is gone and yet there she lies.
The truth is Grimnir needs her, as the crows needs the carrion, as a woman needs a man's seed, so does the Hanged One need his sejdkona. Thus he sings for her. And when the echo of his galdr dies out, the burial mounds are all light and carcass and spirit become one. She is here, she is now with us. Thus, she opens her dead eyes and begins her own song of vision and delusion.
Music created by Sergio Ribnikov Gunnarsson and Mårten Gråfäll.
Words in Old Icelandic by Segersæll. The Swedish text is loosely based on Erik Brate's rendition of Völuspá.
From Words from the Dead by Ofärd, Scandinavian Folk Metal
Released 01 July 2012
