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Often dismissed as an image with which to attract tourists and to endow athletes with associations of power and endurance, the Vikings and Norse mythology seem to have lost their appeal as an element of identity construction in Norwegian society - apart from the phenomenon of metal music, where these elements are essential. This study analyses the functions of Norse themes as they are applied in Norwegian metal culture with regard to the construction and experience of cultural identity, shedding light on the musicians´ diverse motivations and intentions.

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Imke von Helden´s research focuses on the adaption of history in metal culture from a Scandinavianist´s perspective. She currently works as a research assistant at the University of Koblenz-Landau.

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