The soundscape and cosmology of the Norwegian band Wardruna

Abstract

One of the most important concepts defining the ‘presence of the past’ – and consequently the idea of cultural heritage – is memory. The study of memory – originally one of the five elements of rhetoric – goes back to antiquity. From Aristotle to Boncompagno da Signa, memory was a twofold concept: not only the act itself of remembering but also the act of handing down historical traditions through knowledge and understanding. Memory, as knowledge, was perceived as visual and many historical monuments stored within themselves ancient memories. Taking the band Wardruna as a case study, their unique and innovative approach to ancient traditions, their active interaction with their cultural heritage and the consequent national and international interest in Wardruna’s loci sacri, this chapter will discuss and expand the discourse of memory as visual and most importantly as auditory concept.