Windir was a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1994 by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Terje "Valfar" Bakken in Sogndal, Norway. The band's name, Windir, translates to "Warrior" in English and their music was a unique blend that fused elements of black metal with Norwegian folk music and Viking metal. Their lyrical themes revolved around paganism, Norse mythology, and the history of Norway, with a particular focus on the region of Sogn, from where Valfar originated. The atmospheric quality of their music was often accentuated with the use of keyboards, giving it an epic and melodic dimension.

Windir released four full-length albums during their active years, each widely acclaimed in the black metal community. Their debut album, 'Soknardalr,' was released in 1997, followed by the acclaimed 'Arntor' in 1999, which solidified their place in the genre. '1184,' released in 2001, continued to build upon their distinct sound, fusing harshness and melody in a way that became characteristic of Windir's approach to black metal. Their final studio album, 'Likferd,' was released in 2003 and continued to push the boundaries of their sound. Tragically, the band's journey was cut short when, in January 2004, Valfar died of hypothermia during a storm while hiking to his family's cabin. After his passing, the remaining members held a tribute concert and subsequently decided to disband. They released a compilation album, 'Valfar, ein Windir' (2004), as a memorial, which featured a collection of previously released songs, unreleased tracks, and covers by related bands, thus cementing Windir's legacy as a pioneer and a key influence within the realm of Viking/black metal.