Norwegian world music collective Wardruna is releasing the skaldic composition “Hibjørnen”, taking on the perspective of the hibernating bear. Through his never resting dialogue with nature, main composer Einar Selvik has been searching for the voice of the bear, resulting in Wardruna’s sixth studio album Birna. The record is scheduled for release January 24, 2025 through Sony Music and By Norse Music.

By comparison to the rich and detailed polyphonic compositions across Wardruna’s new album Birna, the song “Hibjørnen” (The Hibearnator), takes a simpler and more direct approach, reminiscent of the music on Skald (2018). On “Hibjørnen” voice, poetry and the lyre lead the way, offering a contemporary take on the ancient skaldic craft that once lay at the heart of Norse oral traditions.

The video was produced by Ragnarok Film

Einar Selvik comments: “The rhythm of the bear embodies the very circle of life: When winter approaches, it goes to sleep in its den – back to the womb; its pulse slowing, its body encapsulated in an intermediate death. Like a lullaby, “Hibjørnen” takes on the perspective of the hibernating bear and its dormant dreams from inside the den. The listener returns from the den of the bear more attuned, aware and contemplative of nature’s wonders, just in time for the freshly sprung buds.”

This cyclical nature of the bear, so embedded both in nature and the worldview of older cultures, drives Einar Selvik’s creative work.

Birna – the she-bear in Old Norse – is a work of art dedicated to the warden of the forest, nature’s caretaker, and her battles here on earth. Slowly driven out of her habitat by modern day societies, she has entered a stage of permanent hibernation. As a result, the forest is gradually dying, longing for its pulseand heart – its shepherd. Birna calls for her return.

Birna nurtures the insight that has been at the core of Selvik’s philosophy right from the start: sowing new seeds whilst strengthening old roots. Instruments and wisdom from ancient times, coupled with modern day soundscapes and recorded sounds of nature, provide a rare opportunity to tell us something valuable about ourselves. It works as a reminder that we are part of nature, not above it, and it offers a way of remembering, not for memory’s own sake, but to gain both new and forgotten insights.

Along with the new album comes the recorded show of Wardruna’s unique equinox performance at the world heritage site Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis, Athens.
Spanning over two hours, the show featured outstanding live performances of songs from the group’s discography, such as Helvegen, Kvitravn, Heimta Thurs and Lyfjaberg.

The new album and the DVD/Blu-ray are available for pre-ordering here.

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