In defence of Valhalla

Frá vinstri: Johan Hegg, Gunnar Sauermann, Ben Raffield, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson

Presentation and panel discussion at the Inferno Music Conference in Oslo [In Defense of Valhalla], with Johan Hegg, vocalist and lyricist of Amon Amarth, and Associate Professor in Archaeology Ben Raffield, and moderator Gunnar Sauermann.

Together, the panel explored the cultural influence of Norse mythology in modern media and music through popularization and misinterpretation (e.g., Marvel films), in contrast to the responsibility to preserve historical integrity.

We also addressed the dangerous appropriation of this heritage by extremist groups, and the crucial role of history in national identity, which creates the need to defend cultural heritage from distortion and misuse.

Frá vinstri: Johan Hegg, Gunnar Sauermann, Ben Raffield, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson
From left: Johan Hegg, Gunnar Sauermann, Ben Raffield, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson |Image @Þorsteinn Kolbeinsson