Album

Runaljod

gap var Ginnunga
The album is the first chapter of the Runaljod trilogy, inspired by the 24 ancient runes of the Elder Futhark.
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The Beginning of a Sonic Journey

In 2009, we released Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga, the first chapter of our musical trilogy exploring the runes of the Elder Futhark. This album marked the beginning of Wardruna’s journey—one rooted in Norse traditions, history, and animism, yet shaped by a deep creative vision that goes beyond mere historical reenactment.

Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga was conceived as a sonic interpretation of the ancient runes, each track evoking the essence of a specific rune and the forces it represents. We sought to create a musical experience that would awaken something primal in the listener, transporting them to a world where sound and nature merge.

To bring this vision to life, we incorporated traditional Nordic instruments such as the taglharpa, kraviklyra, bukkehorn, and various percussion instruments, alongside elements of field recordings and natural sounds. The human voice, with its raw emotional and ritualistic power, was central to the storytelling, carrying echoes of an ancient past into the present.

The title, Gap Var Ginnunga, references the primordial void in Norse mythology—a place of nothingness from which all creation emerges. This concept resonated deeply with our approach to the album, as we embarked on an artistic journey into the unknown, shaping soundscapes that had rarely been explored in modern music.

Over the years, this album has become more than just a collection of songs. It has served as a gateway for many into the world of Wardruna, an invitation to experience the depth of ancient Nordic wisdom through music. As we look back on its release, we are grateful for the connection it has forged with listeners across the world—people who have embraced the journey with open minds and open hearts.

With Runaljod – Gap Var Ginnunga, the first stone was laid. The path continued with Runaljod – Yggdrasil and Runaljod – Ragnarok, completing the trilogy and expanding upon the themes we first introduced. Yet, the journey never truly ends, and we continue to explore, evolve, and share the stories that call to us through time.