The Variety of Similarity: Hungarian High Literature, History, and Folklore in the Lyrics of Dalriada

Abstract

This article comprises a case study of the lyrical program of the Hungarian folk metal band Dalriada. I employ a close reading based method that relies on ideas drawn from reception studies, metal studies, history and literary studies toward an understanding of Dalriada’s reinterpretation of elements of Hungarian history (e.g., Medieval figures, the period of Ottoman occupation), folk traditions (e.g., folk songs) and high literature (the works of János Arany). I conclude by discussing some common patterns in these interpretations that run through Dalriada’s overall output.