The Strangest Fairy-tale from Norway?

I grew up in Norway with the old Norwegian fairy-tales all around me, and the story of "Følgesvennen (The Travelling Companion)" particularly haunted me. So when I was invited to do some work for the exhibition "Sølvpust" at Oseana Kunst og Kultursenter, combining the art of old masters like Theodor Kittelsen, Erik Werenskiold, Nicolai Astrup, and John Bauer, with art from games like Owlboy, Teslagrad, Assassins Creed, God of War: Ragnarok, it was an easy choice to try to do something with this folk-story. First performed live at Oseana the 7th of May 2023, this video is the made for KZbin version of that show, going into pop-culture, both Norse and Biblical mythology, and history to try to show a little peek into the depths of these stories.
Music is by the marvelous Leiv Reed. Follow him ‪@LeivReed‬
All the art of this story will be released for free use under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Support free art at www.patreon.com/kimholm
Originals and merch available at denungeherrholm.com
"Friend of the Devil" is a song by The Grateful Dead, written by Jerry Garcia, John Dawson, and Robert Hunter.
THE TOOLS I USE:
All these tools are things I use myself. That being said, there’s so many great brands, big and small, that produce amazing alternatives, and you can also get them from other stores than Amazon. However, if you use the affiliate links below, I get a small cut.
All of the sets recommended below will include color or brush variations that might be superfluous. I tend to buy both sets and individual items, because I like the flexibility. But on a budget, just get the one item you need.
Daler-Rowney Aquafine Synthetic Brush Set: amzn.to/4a7WLyb
(Round Brush size 4 most important)
Manuscript Chinese Calligraphy Goat Hair Brush set:amzn.to/4bT5QfD
Pentel Color Brush Black: amzn.to/48slfk9
Pentel Color Brush Set: amzn.to/42TRVBX
Pentel Color Brush Black Refill: amzn.to/3uNuvl9
Talens Indian Ink: amzn.to/49pf1D0
Talens Ecoline Liquid Water Color Set: amzn.to/49ryG5l
Dr. Ph Martin’s Radiant Liquid Watercolor Set: amzn.to/49ss8n6
Golden High Flow Acrylics Black: amzn.to/48tY9cZ
Golden Fluid Acrylic White: amzn.to/49PDSzD
Golden Fluid Acrylic Set: amzn.to/49LEFBJ
Fabriano Sketching paper, can hold some ink: amzn.to/49ryT8D
Fabriano Hot-Press Watercolor paper: amzn.to/431Huws
Fabriano Cold-Press Watercolor paper: amzn.to/3wwUQo8
Faber-Castell B3 Graphite Pencil: amzn.to/3IdCYkH
BOOKS & INSPIRATION:
I’ve learned to draw from a lot of books, most of them on drawing and penciling comics. But the two most important for my own artistic journey were probably:
How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way: amzn.to/3IghYtS
Bridgman’s Complete guide To Drawing From Life: amzn.to/3IeUd5f
(I’m not satisfied with the print, but great book still)
None of them have to do with inking directly with a brush, but they lay the groundwork for most of what I do.

[@oranjmusemeyer968]

This is mesmerizing, you absolutely have the soul of a storyteller the could lure both human and otherworldly beings alike to dance through the flames on a moonlight night. It's a rare gift, I know because I have listened to many try to find their tongues, voices or both...I must go to listen again forgive my abrupt departure!🖤

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Oh wow, I'm so pleased to hear this. Thank you!

[@Artidume]

I honestly think one of the best things of your storytelling is the way the art changes. You first see a child, and then.. a face.. and then something even more spectacular. It's amazing. Thankyou for everything you do, Mr Holm.

[@excellentmanoftaste2626]

As a child of hippies i was exposed to a lot of oral tales in my travels as a boy, particularly from the friendlier old folks. This reminded me of hearing those stories that i haven’t thought of for years, thank you mr Holm.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

I've gotten so much from the small parts of oral storytelling I grew up around.

[@walterl322]

I love these kinds of folk stories, paired with a good storyteller they make the world feel way more deeper and unknown, if that makes any sense, way more dreamlike...

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you.

[@Zemplex]

This was wonderful Mr Holm . I like the folk tale . I was also thinking how the scourge of global religion has scoured the world of old folklore . Much like when you reinked a new part of the story over the previous picture. Lost in time half remembered. Thank you you are a very good story teller and artist .

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you so much. Regarding religion, things always change, but it's hard to pin everything on one mechanism. But the idea that the few elite has exclusive knowledge of some sort of cosmic truth, and are obligated to enforce it on the many, is definitely a big problem.

[@Ididnahthither]

Absolutely awesome. Norwegian folklore is very interesting, and watching you create your illustrations makes them even better.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you. All folklore is a treasure trove for those who dig.

[@TheMistressMisery]

Your rendition of Friend of the Devil is amazing, your storytelling is soothing and inspiring. Thank you for continuing the much loved tradition of story telling and passing on oral knowledge

[@shilohthylacine8115]

You really are a true storyteller!! I’ve seen so many people try to make videos on folklore and such stories but as someone who studies old folklore and stories of every type and genre, I find it really hard to find a channel or person who bring character to their stories. I find that you have no such issue in bringing character to your stories, keeping everyfolk who dares to listen intrigued and wanting more, a true talent you have ❤

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you so much.

[@Zippo_Squeeze]

I'd absolutely love to see you make more of these! The stories most of us would never get to hear, with mesmerizing art.

[@stormherald13]

As i listened to this beautiful story i found myself drawing the princess. It was fun, thank you for this amazing story telling

[@ADR69]

this is amazing. so glad i found your channel. you could read the weather and id watch

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Weather's up next. 😳

[@a.r.9357]

I can't deny... I envy your kids a little. You're such an amazing storyteller.

[@TwistedNsanity]

This was so beautifully done. The art, the music, the storytelling. I was moved to tears by the end. Thank you for your art, sir.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you.

[@drillerdev4624]

Saving this for later. It deserves to be watched properly.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

It does. 😁

[@drillerdev4624]

​@@DenUngeHerrHolm it really did. Thanks for making something truly special.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

@@drillerdev4624 So glad to hear!

[@zareien2290]

I finally had the chance to see these works in person! Brilliant works, and forming a significant part of a larger exhibition on the blending between folklore, fantasy, and romanticism

[@Primordial_Soup]

I'm genuinely crying after that. I have nothing clever to add. Thank you for making this.

[@SufficientSpells]

I'm trying to write my first novel, and I adore fairy tales. I've been looking for obscure fairy tales of many different cultures to better understand. Thank you so much for this, and all the art you pull into the waking world

[@chrish4309]

This was absolutely amazing. I'm so glad I found your channel. There is something so magical about your art, the stories you tell, and the way you talk about things. Being midwestern American, oral story telling is something we just didn't have growing up, and it is something that I've just always longed for. Having myth, legend, and folktale all together and all told also by an amazing ally of trans people like me too. This place is honestly where I go to feel like I can have that. I love this channel.

[@scott_chocolate]

This was incredible. I would love to see more long form retelling of folklore like this! Your combination of story-telling, adding context and tangents, and your painting were absolutely captivating! I can see this doesn't get nearly the views or engagement as your shorts. But, I wanted to comment to let you know how much I appreciate this video. It's so cool! Thanks for sharing :)

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you. The plan is to make a lot more long form content, including more of these. But it takes a lot of time and resources I don't have yet. But working on it. :)

[@scott_chocolate]

@@DenUngeHerrHolm yours (and your team's?) time and effort shows! Just what is on camera looks like it took hours. I imagine it took orders of magnitude longer preparing.. researching, writing, planning the art pieces, rehearsing, botched takes.... The result is so cool! No pressure to crank more out. Just appreciation and encouragement :)

[@alenseblani3935]

You are very talented. I just read this in Norwegian and it was hard to understand all the words since the authors Asbjørnsen and Mo use the old langauge. Thanks to you I got the picture clearer:) Bra jobba 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Takk.

[@sociallydistant9000]

Thank you for this! I hope you enjoyed making it as much as we enjoyed hearing and seeing it. I just recently learned of the different folklore about will o’ wisps, and one very much fit the grateful dead tales, which I had never heard of before, so it was so interesting experiencing even more coincidences and connections as you shared. Thank you for all the work and beauty you’re putting into the world and all you’re supporting.

[@mileakter7777]

You can express your self by making art . And he's doing it

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

I try! 🥰🥰

[@mileakter7777]

@@DenUngeHerrHolm nice art man . Your so good at it

[@t.fairuz29]

I loved this so much. As a woman of a country that has willingly given up its culture for Western comfort i deeply appreciate the significance of what you did in this video. I wish i had your courage and talent.

[@eprohoda]

‘sup?, Like it,outstanding picture,have a great day~

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you. Hopefully you'll like the whole story as well.

[@Prankalanka]

i might not sleep well if this is too scary edit: one of my favourite experiences this month, thank you

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you.

[@xXFebo92Xx]

This is beautiful art! I mostly grew up with german tales like that of the Brothers Grimm or Wilhelm Hauff and I still like to read or listen to them. And I always enjoy learning tales from other cultures, so this was amazing! Your style of art would lend itself to a lot of german tales very nicely by the way. Tales like "The Devil's Sooty Brother", "Godfather Death" or "The Girl Without Hands" come to my mind. I am looking forward to seeing more videos like this in the future :) Keep up the good work!

[@Rana-Temporaria]

I love your take on this so much!! I often listen to it to relax or to write or draw and its the only thing I always like listening to. ❤❤❤

[@supernoob4579]

Love your work, alot of your shorts have helped me through sad times so thank you.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

That's so good to hear. Take care and stay strong!

[@potatophantom9717]

My lord I enjoyed this story... The paintings accompanied it so beautifully.... BRAVO

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you.

[@reecerocket]

Thank you! Beautiful work. I'll be looking around for more Norwegian fairy tails.

[@floramew]

Thank you for this video. The painting was nice to watch, a good companion to your oral storytelling. Beautiful all around.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you.

[@stillhammered3060]

Always look forward to another of your works 👍.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you. Hope you liked this one.

[@karlthompson838]

bro this video is incredible. I'm in uni rn in Australia and I plan to take off and visit norway as soon as I'm done studying. This video just makes more excited to start exploring. Thanks g.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you.

[@ajrjvincent4088]

i fucking love this folk lore is amazing and hard to find good translations thank you

[@torgnyaanderaa2334]

Awesome storytelling - and who knew you had Tom Waits living under your skin :D Love that you have found all these various avenues of expression - and the combination of them here, is delightful. Hope doing the actual show was a positive experience! Looking forward to see what you do next - although do I understand that this story has some special significance to you, and that it may be tricky to quickly conjure up a similar tale that you have given the same amount of consideration and thought. So, more of your delightful inkmonsters - and accompanying thought - shall suffice :)

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

I'm already looking at other fairy tales to tackle. 😊

[@torgnyaanderaa2334]

@@DenUngeHerrHolm Yay! May the process be a rewarding and inspiring one! :)

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

@@torgnyaanderaa2334 Takker, Torgny!

[@sinkdemon5813]

The singing reminded me of the scene in disco Elysium where tequila sunset sings. In a good way. Expressive and texture-ish.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

The Smallest Church in St.Saens! The failed skill-check version or the successful one? Because I can never hope to top the failed one! 🤣

[@AutumnsFlameDances]

I'm new(ish) to your channel but this is one of my favourite videos you've made that I've seen so far. It's also wonderful to listen to when I'm drawing. I would love to hear more Norwegian folk tales and hope you do more. Your art is always inspiring but adding your storytelling and singing made this video magical. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@sjiva7061]

I love folktales, and thus one is one I did not know yet. It's wonderfull. Especially with your paintings going along with it. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you so much.

[@sharkoj]

Incredible video I thoroughly enjoyed it

[@SirithPL]

The story by itself told by you was mesmerising, but with your performative art it was just something else. I followed you for quite some time, but I've never thought of myself a huge fan of modern performative art, really. But you, sir, you clutch my heart.

[@Ylva_d_L]

Mesmerizing and beautiful, thank you for sharing with us.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you so much.

[@EarlGreyLattex]

You need to tell more stories, this is awesome

[@atikurrahman-pn7ei]

Cannot sleep, needed this thank you 👍

[@hurtumuchlyxb1508]

Absolutely beautiful story telling. An artist with a brush, an artist with words and a musician to boot. Can we expect another tale soon?

[@NeuroTheory]

Dette er like fascinerende som det er vakkert. Jeg vil vise det til barna mine. Takk for at du gjør dette.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Hjertelig takk!

[@publicutility]

Artistic words. Multi talanted.

[@IraDWhite]

Thank you! This was beautiful!

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you.

[@usmub]

Thank you very much for making this wonderful thing and sharing it with the world.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you!

[@Paul_Ward]

I had literally no idea that you made longer format videos. I've just started the video now and I'm looking forward do it

[@bopelis]

Takk for det jeg trengte en liten pause

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Godt å høre.

[@kyledamron]

That was incredible. I was entranced

[@BLEBBLEB]

Thank you so much for telling us this story!

[@Slurmzy_B0b]

Great video

[@SylvesterLazarus]

Fairy-tale: "You must give me half of your child." Me: "Huh, okay.. he will get a child from the wife of.." Fairy-tale: "Chop him in half!" Me: "Chop him in half! Yes.. that's what I was thinking about too."

[@Moonsyne]

That is some fine storytelling.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you so much.

[@heikkijhautanen4576]

a Troll is never just a troll!!

[@rockzo3027]

Absolutely beautiful. Heia Norge!

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Takker!

[@donnaread4109]

Loved it

[@heavyhexa5721]

Absolutely amazing, Kim❤

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you, Mona!

[@randompurpleslime8963]

There seems to be only one comment here Any have a good day and keep ip the good paintings

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Well, it's still hours to the premiere. Have a great day!

[@shgstewart4674]

The part with splitting the child is an interesting blending of the story from the Nevi'im (Prophets) in Sefer Malachim (Kings) where King Samuel arbitrates the dispute between the two prostitutes by suggesting he halve the infant, and the Akedah (Binding of Isaac), in which God asks Avraham to sacrifice his son Yitzhak but at the last second, an angel stops him. I know of no Jewish traditions involving bathing people in milk, but "birching" sounds vaguely similar to how on the festival of Hoshanna Rabba, Jews beat a bundle of willow, myrtle, and palm branches/fronds on the floor until some or all of the leaves fall off. Nobody knows why we do this. Commentators from antiquity didn't even know, although everyone seems to have an opinion. This suggests to me that this particular ritual is so old, its rationale has been lost, or it's what Jews call a "chuk," a command God has given us that has no clear reason behind it. Jews do not and have never accepted Tobit as a canonical book, so it's best to consider it as a regional Jewish folk tale (from Samaria -- the north, ironically perhaps) that some Christians decided to accept as a holy writing. Happy to elucidate a few things and I hope everyone found this interesting! Some stories are very old indeed.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you. I didn't comment on the Biblical links of the child splitting, because it didn't fit rhythmically and I hope people knew those stories. The Book of Tobit is mentioned because of it's relevance to Christianity and the story, but it would be great to do something where I get to delve more into Jewish folklore some day. Thanks again for all the wonderful additions.

[@jerrywhoomst1116]

Thank you that was great, id watch any more of those you made.

[@oranjmusemeyer968]

Thanks!

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you so much!

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

Subscribed.

[@engine4403]

Goofy how in Finland we whip ourselves with birch branches in the Sauna...

[@animalsarecomradestoo.8995]

Have you heard of the Hornthrowers podcast ? I think you should go on it ? They are anarchists and really into black metal

[@hectorlumbagoCringe]

You’re incredible

[@joeydurant6267]

Im not even a minute into this and please... Do more readings.

[@writer5790]

Poor princess.

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Indeed. It's a pretty harrowing treatment.

[@EmilyFPC]

😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍

[@EmilyFPC]

💘💘💘💌💌💌❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@Fig_Faerie]

Algorithm Bump ❤

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

The most appreciated of bumps.

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

:)D

[@Shy--Tsunami]

Do you like the video and pull it away from 666?

[@jellojoe00]

This was so good. Thanks Kim!

[@DenUngeHerrHolm]

Thank you!

[@Toad92873]

You are quite magnificent !! in your collection I didn't see a minotaur.. can you draw Kaz from the "legend of Huma" ??

[@hijodelsepulcro]

El pinzel y la voz .... un remedio para el alma