Mithotyn was a pioneering Swedish Viking metal band that emerged in the early 1990s, known for melding elements of black metal with epic narratives and thematic content inspired by Norse mythology and Viking history. The group was founded by guitarist and vocalist Christian Schütz, bassist and backing vocalist Karl Beckmann, and drummer Rickard Martinsson, with the lineup later expanding to include guitarist Stefan Weinerhall and keyboardist Helene Blad.

Throughout their short yet impactful career, Mithotyn released a trilogy of full-length albums that cemented their place in the annals of Viking metal. Their debut, "In the Sign of the Raven," released in 1997, immediately gathered attention with its raw energy and folk influences. The band's follow-up, the critically acclaimed "King of the Distant Forest," released in 1998, showcased a matured sound and narrative depth that took listeners on a journey through ancient Viking landscapes. Their third and final album, "Gathered Around the Oaken Table" in 1999, saw Mithotyn further refining their sound, but it would ultimately be their last, as the band disbanded shortly after its release. Despite their brief existence, Mithotyn has left a lasting legacy on the metal genre, their music still resonating with fans of epic and folk metal around the world.