Hymn of St. Magnus is the oldest written example of Nordic polyphony. It is dated around year 1200. It’s origin is the Orkney Islands and it’s characterized by moving, parallel thirds. The hymn is dedicated to Magnus Erlendsson (Magnus the Martyr), who was an earl at Orkney Islands at the end of the Viking age. This was obviously tough and bloody times for people in power, and Magnus was eventually cut down during a battle with a rival, which led to him being declared a saint. This arrangement ...