Medieval folk is a genre characterized by its rustic, earthy sound, often featuring acoustic instruments such as the lute, hurdy-gurdy, and recorder. The genre's defining musical characteristics include complex rhythms, modal melodies, and rich vocal harmonies, often sung in archaic languages. Emerging in the 1970s, medieval folk drew inspiration from traditional European folk music, Renaissance-era courtly entertainment, and early music revivalism. The genre gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in Europe, as a nostalgic reaction to modernity. Medieval folk music often serves as a sonic time capsule, evoking the mystique of a bygone era. It intersects with neofolk, pagan metal, and darkwave, yet differs in its emphasis on historical accuracy and acoustic instrumentation. Notable elements include the use of period-specific instruments, lyrics drawn from medieval literature and mythology, and a focus on storytelling and atmosphere.
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