In Norse mythology, Fimbulvetr (or fimbulvinter), commonly rendered in English as Fimbulwinter, is the immediate prelude to the events of Ragnarök. It simply means ''Mighty Winter".
Fimbulvetr is the harsh winter that precedes the end of the world and puts an end to all life on Earth. Fimbulwinter is three successive winters where snow comes in from all directions, without any intervening summer. During this time, there will be innumerable wars and ties of blood will no longer be respected: the next-of-kin will lie together and brothers will kill brothers.
The event is described primarily in the Poetic Edda. In the poem Vafþrúðnismál, Odin poses the question to Vafþrúðnir as to who of mankind will survive the Fimbulwinter. Vafþrúðnir responds that Líf and Lífþrasir will survive and that they will live in the forest of Hoddmímis holt.
This mythology might be related to the extreme weather events of 535–536 which resulted in a notable drop in temperature across northern Europe. There have also been several popular ideas about whether or not this particular piece of mythology has a connection to the climate change that occurred in the Nordic countries at the end of the Nordic Bronze Age dating from about 650 BC. Before this climate change, the Nordic countries were considerably warmer.
Fimbulwinter was a black metal band that was part of the early Norwegian black metal scene. It formed in Oslo during 1992 and released two demos that year. In 1994 it released its only album, Servants of Sorcery. Featuring a cover of Celtic Frost's "Morbid Tales", it was the first release by newly formed Hot Records.
The band broke up shortly after. Guitarist Shagrath joined Dimmu Borgir and bassist Skoll joined Ulver.
The band is named after Fimbulvetr (or Fimbulvinter), an event in Norse mythology.
Frostbiting winds engulf the earth
Commencing the Fimbulwinter
Spirit of Evil unleashed
Gathering the hordes of darkness
All hope is lost
Spirits of the Grey Wolf swarm the land
The Sun and Moon grow pale with fear
The fate of the gods, Death is near
Ravenous beasts engulf the bringers of life
Consumed in Primeval Darkness
Rabid hounds of hell storm the gates
Annihilation of the weak
Limb from limb, the bodies tear
Blood drips from the devouring jaws
The Fimbulwinter draws near
Looming darkness consumes all
Titans rise to slay the gods
The beginning of the end draws near
FIMBULWINTER!
Broken free from my icy prison
Chains no longer bind my soul
FIMBULWINTER!
I gather armies from realms of fire and ice
Gods are now damned by my revenge
FIMBULWINTER…DIE!
Fate of the gods, Death is near
The Fimbulwinter draws near
Looming darkness consumes all
Titans rise to slay the gods
The beginning of the end draws near
Rabid hounds of hell storm the gates
Annihilation of the weak
Limb from limb, the bodies tear