Varg Vikernes

Varg Vikernes is a controversial Norwegian author, musician, and far-right figure, best known for his involvement in the early Norwegian black metal scene as the founder of the one-man project Burzum. Born Kristian Vikernes on February 11, 1973, he later changed his name to Varg (meaning "wolf"). Vikernes gained infamy not only for his music but also for his 1994 conviction for the murder of Mayhem guitarist Euronymous and a series of church arsons, for which he served 15 years in prison.

During and after his incarceration, Vikernes authored multiple writings that blend paganism, Odalism, and nationalist ideology, including books like Vargsmål, Sorcery and Religion in Ancient Scandinavia, and Reflections on European Mythology and Polytheism. These works are often self-published and reflect his radical worldview, drawing criticism for promoting extremist and racist ideologies. While his literary work has attracted a niche readership among far-right and neopagan circles, it is widely condemned in mainstream academic and cultural discourse.

Among his most quoted statements is: “I would rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not,” a sentiment that reflects his self-styled rebellious identity. He has also stated: “My goal has always been to awaken Europeans to their roots,” underscoring the ideological bent of much of his writing. While Vikernes remains an undeniably influential figure in black metal and pagan revival subcultures, his legacy is deeply controversial and polarizing due to the extremist nature of his beliefs and actions.