Realistic and Mythological Appropriations of Nordic Noir: The Cases of Shetland and Ø

Abstract

The question of appropriation is framed by focusing on the dual legacy of the Nordic crime fiction tradition, the center–periphery binary in Nordic noir, and the implications of location, especially the significance of the island. A dominant trend in Nordic noir explores a socially realistic universe. It is supplemented by another trend hinging on mythological or supernatural layers. On the background of the center–periphery binary and the island as an especially suited place for crimes, the dual legacy is explored in two examples of Nordic noir appropriations—the BBC Scotland series Shetland (2013–) and the French Studio+ production Ø (2016).