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Exploring Human Behavior and Death Anxiety Through Art
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How Different Cultures Deal With Death

Quinn Jacobson October 27, 2024

I’m fascinated with how different cultures deal with death, or mortality.

A haunting song by Wardruna called "Helvegen" explores themes of death, the afterlife, and the journey into the unknown. The title translates to "The Way to Hel," referring to the Norse underworld, Helheim, which is ruled by the goddess Hel. T” The lyrics, sung in Norwegian, evoke the imagery of accompanying a soul to the underworld—a journey that’s both spiritual and introspective.

The song reflects on mortality and the natural cycle of life and death, asking who will "sing" for someone when they cross over, touching on ancient practices of guiding the soul into the afterlife. The lyrics resonate deeply with ideas of communal mourning, remembrance, and the Norse view of the soul's journey after death. The chant-like vocals and traditional Nordic instruments that drive Wardruna's music enhance this somber meditation on mortality by creating a setting that feels timeless and deeply rooted in old Norse spirituality.

In Helvegen, Helheim Tags helvegen
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