On Confronting Our Untamed Emotions: ”Our Inner Wolf”
Welcome to FENRIR, a journey into the profound relationship between Fenrir and Odin. The core of Ragnarok is acrobatically interpreted as the internal forces within us.
Movement artists Naomi Bratthammer and Hallgrim Hansegård, in collaboration with composer Terje Isungset, create a stage interpretation of the myth of the Fenris Wolf from Norse mythology. Can this story teach us something about denying the untamed within ourselves?
Odin was foretold to be devoured by the wolf Fenrir, a symbol of untamed emotions. When the wolf was born, Odin and the Æsir adopted him to live among them. As time passed, Fenrir grew so large and powerful that he had to be bound. The strongest chains could not hold him, so Odin sought help from the subterranean svartálfar, who crafted the magical ribbon Gleipnir. Fenrir, sensing deception, demanded that the god of war place his hand in the wolf’s jaws as a pledge. The hand was sacrificed, and Fenrir was finally bound. But what happens to our emotions when we restrain and deny them?
Toward the end of Ragnarok, as foretold, the wolf breaks free and devours Odin.
This is the story that inspires a dynamic performance of aerial ropes, acrobatics, folk dance, and natural instrumental music. The interplay between the two characters gives us a deeper understanding of how emotions and reason can coexist, and how we, as humans, can learn from both the strength and vulnerability within us.
According to psychoanalyst Carl Jung, science has paved the way for a horizontal understanding of the world—one that focuses on imperialism and consumption. By incorporating vertical ropes, FENRIR embraces a vertical, pre-Christian worldview that infuses myths with the timeless qualities of dreams inherited through centuries.
Photo by Antero Hein from FRIKAR I FOSSEN 2024, featuring Naomi and Hallgrim.
Creative Team:
- Hallgrim Hanseggård: Concept, Choreography, Dance
- Naomi Bratthammer: Concept, Choreography, Dance
- Terje Isungset: Composer and Musician
- Roberto Magro: Dramaturg
- Line Maher: Costume Designer
- Gard Gitlestad: Lighting Designer
- Mathias Grønsdahl: Sound Design/Engineer
- Kirsti Buchanan Ulvestad: Producer
Co-produced by:
- Fjelldansen Choreographic Center
- Riksscenen, Oslo
- Ål Kulturhus / Sprang – Regional Dance Stage
- VästanåTeater, Sweden
- Circanario, Spain
With support from:
- The Norwegian Directorate of Culture, Free Performing Arts
- The Norwegian Directorate of Culture, Composition and Production of Music
- The Nordic Culture Fund
- Nordic Culture Point, Culture and Art Programme
- Scenekunstbruket
- Innlandet County Municipality
- The Ministry of Culture and Equality / PAHN Kickstart II
- Fjelldansen Choreographic Center
