Bardcore is a music microgenre that involves arranging modern pop songs to sound medieval or "old-timey." This is primarily achieved through the use of instruments commonly associated with the Middle Ages , such as lutes, harps, flutes, and various forms of drums. Some adaptations also feature rewritten lyrics that incorporate archaism and Old English phrasing to enhance the medieval authenticity.

Prior to 2020, isolated medieval adaptations of popular music existed on platforms like YouTube. However, Bardcore emerged as a distinct and widespread trend on April 20, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. This date is largely attributed to German YouTuber Cornelius Link, who released " Astronomia (Medieval Style) ," an instrumental remake of Tony Igy's electronic dance track " Astronomia ." This particular song had recently gained widespread attention as the soundtrack to the "coffin dance meme," and Link's adaptation quickly went viral.

Following this, Link produced a medieval-style instrumental version of Foster the People's " Pumped Up Kicks ." Canadian YouTuber Hildegard von Blingin' then added medieval-style vocals to this track, using adapted lyrics, which further amplified the trend's popularity. Other YouTubers like Graywyck, Constantine, and Samus Ordicus joined the movement. The appeal of Bardcore is often linked to a blend of nostalgia, escapism, and the existential humor prevalent among younger generations, providing a unique reinterpretation of contemporary music through a historical lens. The genre is largely an online phenomenon, with hundreds of medieval-style covers available on video-sharing platforms.

The emergence of Bardcore as a distinct musical trend in 2020 was preceded by earlier, isolated instances of medieval adaptations of modern popular music. Notably, LjB0's remix of the " Halo Theme " and Algal the Bard's medieval rendition of System of a Down's " Toxicity ," published in December 2017, had already garnered millions of listeners on platforms like YouTube.

The genre solidified as a recognizable phenomenon on April 20, 2020, during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. This date marks the release of " Astronomia (Medieval Style) " by Cornelius Link, a German YouTuber. This track was an instrumental adaptation of Tony Igy's 2010 electronic dance song "Astronomia," which had recently gained global prominence as the soundtrack for the "coffin dance meme." Link's medieval version quickly achieved widespread attention.

Weeks after his initial success, Link released a medieval-style instrumental of Foster the People's " Pumped Up Kicks ." This was subsequently re-released with added vocals by Canadian YouTuber Hildegard von Blingin', whose name is a play on the medieval composer Hildegard von Bingen. Hildegard von Blingin' provided a medieval-style adaptation of the original lyrics, and by the end of June 2020, both versions had accumulated approximately 4 million views. She further contributed to the genre by covering numerous other popular songs, including Lady Gaga's " Bad Romance ," Radiohead's " Creep ," Dolly Parton's " Jolene ," and Gotye's " Somebody That I Used to Know ," altering their rhythms and lyrics to fit the medieval aesthetic.

The trend rapidly expanded across YouTube, attracting other creators such as Graywyck, Constantine, and Samus Ordicus. This appeal was partly attributed to a resonance with Generation Z's existential humor and long-standing internet memes related to the medieval era, as suggested by Elmira Tanatarova in i-D. By September 2020, hundreds of songs had been adapted into the Bardcore style.

The genre also received notable mainstream recognition. The Wu-Tang Clan publicly endorsed Bardcore by reposting Beedle the Bardcore's cover of their track " C.R.E.A.M ." on their official YouTube channel. In October 2020, BBC Radio 1's Scott Mills featured tracks by prominent Bardcore artists like Beedle The Bardcore, Hildegard Von Blingin', and Stantough on his prime-time show.

The Bardcore aesthetic is characterized by imagery that directly evokes medieval fantasy , drawing heavily from historical art styles and contemporary interpretations of the past. Visuals commonly associated with the genre feature medieval musical instruments such as lutes, harps, flutes, and various types of drums, often presented in rustic or natural settings.

Illustrations frequently mimic the style of medieval manuscripts, tapestries, or woodcuts, sometimes incorporating modern elements in a humorous or anachronistic way. Peasant wear and other forms of historical or fantasy-inspired garb are often depicted. The color palette typically consists of muted yellows, blues, reds, and neutral tones, contributing to an aged or period-appropriate feel. Many visual representations utilize sepia-like filters or textures to further enhance the perception of antiquity. These visual elements collectively create a sense of nostalgia for a fictionalized past and complement the musical reinterpretation of modern songs. The Old English font is widely used in cover art.

Fashion's direct connection to Bardcore is more niche, primarily manifesting in costuming, performance attire, and merchandise on TikTok and Pinterest rather than as a widespread street style. Individuals engaging with the Bardcore aesthetic often adopt clothing inspired by medieval peasant wear, fantasy garb, or historical reenactment apparel.

This can include rustic fabrics, simple tunics, cloaks, and functional footwear. Accessories like leather pouches, belts, and headwear reminiscent of historical periods are also utilized. The emphasis is on comfort and a somewhat rugged, earthy appearance, reflecting the pastoral and often unpolished themes associated with medieval life. In the context of online content creators and performers, the fashion serves to enhance the thematic immersion of their musical adaptations, providing a visual complement to the reinterpreted songs.