Steind

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Steind: R

by C. Michael Bailey
July 25, 2003

Rímur is touted as an ancient Icelandic chant form originating during the age of Vikings. I think that perhaps it is better considered similar to the a cappella ballad singing popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. While certainly pre-dating that American music, rímur is nevertheless more about telling stories in one voice than conveying simple spiritual concepts.

This rímur form is that of an epic song with its basis in narrative poetry. A ...