Skalda! : A study into the expression of history, identity and authenticity

The study explores and discusses the expression of authenticity and identity in relation to the use of archived material and tradition. For this purpose the study relies on multimodal discourse analysis of two works: the music video for Vargtimmen, by the band Hedningarna, as well as the video for Ramunder, by the band Garmarna. The two bands are rooted in the field of scandinavian folk music but have come to explore new and different contexts for this tradition. As such this study explores how ideology and ideals, tied to tradition, have come to be manifested or rejected in the recontextualization present in the new work as an expressed chronotope. This analysis is also grounded in interviews carried out with Totte Mattsson from Hedningarna and Stefan Brisland-Ferner from Garmarna. The analysis is as such broadened from the specific work and takes on a wider perspective, trying to identify how parts of history and tradition have come to be adapted and transformed in not only the work but also in practice. A practice that has been informed by their respective practitioners' approach to the use of history as are source. The study concludes by presenting authenticity as a sort of successfully conveyed ‘proof’ of knowledge. Knowledge regarding original context, new context as well as an understanding for the personal role in recontextualization. Identity can be said to be found in the management of that personal role.