ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Literary Feud in Iceland Over EU Ties Explores Norse Myths' Global Reach

opinion-review · 2026-08-19

Iceland is arguing about its relationship with the European Union, and the debate has become literary. The NZZ feuilleton explores the Nordic Middle Ages, referencing Wotan (Odin), the Walrus, and Valkyries. Wotan appears in both Richard Wagner and heavy metal. Edda myths influence popular culture from Japan to Mexico. The article connects these cultural elements to the current EU dispute in Iceland.

Key facts

  • Iceland is arguing about its relationship with the European Union.
  • The EU debate involves literary attacks.
  • The article is set against the Nordic medieval imagination.
  • Wotan (Odin) appears in Wagner's works and heavy metal.
  • Edda myths influence popular culture from Japan to Mexico.
  • The article references Wotan, Walrus, and Valkyrie.
  • The piece is from the NZZ feuilleton section.
  • The dispute has escalated to literary barbs.

Entities

Artists

  • Richard Wagner

Institutions

  • European Union

Locations

  • Iceland
  • Japan
  • Mexico

Sources