Norwegian collective Wardruna unveil “Birna”, the title track from their upcoming album, as the final preview ahead of its January 24 release via Sony Music and By Norse Music. "Birna," Old Norse for "she-bear," pays tribute to the forest's warden and nature’s caretaker.

Einar Selvik explains: “The song illustrates a dialogue between man and bear, exemplifying the various traits and abilities we humans have sought to borrow from these significant totemic animals throughout history.”

The music video for “Birna” was filmed in Norway's Rondane National Park, directed by Wardruna´s longtime collaborator Tuukka Koski, and produced by Breakfast Helsinki and Ragnarok Film. 

The bear has long been a central figure in northern hemisphere myths, with many indigenous cultures honoring it as a totem through rites and songs. Despite its historical threat to human lives and livestock, the bear has also inspired identification and reverence, its physique even resembling humans beneath its fur. For some cultures, “treading the path of the bear” symbolizes following one’s true calling.

Selvik adds: “The bear doesn’t need my help or any human traditional ornamentation to be its own powerful self. It is quite the opposite if one looks to past bear-traditions worth remembering. We learn, we dream of borrowing its traits and abilities. We fear, revere, and try to walk alongside but on separate paths. Respectfully, claim space and give space. However inconvenient it may be, further taming of the wild can never be the fruitful way forward. For me, it profoundly felt like the right time to give voice to the Birna, mother and shepherd of the vanishing woods."

Wardruna will also release the concert film Live at the Acropolis on January 24, featuring their September 2023 performance at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The film includes the full show, along with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

Birna and Live At The Acropolis pre-orders are available here, with the new album available on limited-edition vinyl, CD and digitally.

Birna cover, photo by Tuukka Koski with artwork by Øivind A. Myksvoll.

Birna tracklisting:

"Hertan"
"Birna"
"Ljos til Jord"
"Dvaledraumar"
"Jord til Ljos"
"Himinndotter"
"Hibjørnen"
"Skuggehesten"
"Tretale"
"Lyfjaberg"

"Birna" video:

"Hibjørnen" video:

“Himinndotter” video:

"Hertan" video:

"Lyfjaberg" video:

From the Runaljod album trilogy (2009, 2013, 2016), exploring old Norse myths, traditions, and language through the 24 proto-Norse runes, the sound of Wardruna evolved and blended into the stripped down, acoustic compositions on Skald (2018). The group’s most recent album, Kvitravn (White-Raven) (2021), explored Northern sorcery, spirit-animals, animism, and the act of creation – the ever-interchanging prolific relationship between the skaldic poet and nature itself. The record charted in 13 countries, including #1 in Canada and Austria, and #2 in Germany. Wardruna has performed at multiple manmade historical locations including Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis, Bulgaria’s Ancient Theater of Philipoppolis, as well as locations set amidst natural wonders such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Alongside his work with Wardruna, Einar Selvik has composed music for large tv and game productions such as “Vikings” and “Assassin’s Creed – Valhalla,” he gives tutorials and lectures on Old Norse literature, musicology, instruments and philosophy, and he has worked with renowned artists such as Mari Boine, Tina Guo, Matoma and Eivør, including appearances on Norwegian, Danish and Polish national television.

(Top photo - Wardruna at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado, by Al Overdrive)