Ethel Cain records a Middle English song for Werwulf
Ethel Cain has recorded Wynter Waxeth with composer Robin Carolan for Robert Eggers’ horror film Werwulf. The performance uses Middle English, matching a story set in medieval England. What began as a possible vocal texture became a complete song; the soundtrack arrives digitally on 18 December, ahead of the film’s 25 December cinema release.
Arts··Evening
A voice woven into medieval horror
Singer-songwriter Ethel Cain has made Wynter Waxeth with composer Robin Carolan for Werwulf, the gothic horror film directed by Robert Eggers. Cain performs in Middle English, the medieval form of the language.[1], [2]
Carolan initially discussed using her singing as a texture within the score. He said their conversations then moved towards writing an entire song. During preparation he sent Cain medieval music, prayers and ambient recordings, and they talked through the material together.[1]
The song closes a 37-track score
According to Carolan, Eggers helped Cain learn the pronunciation, which she mastered in almost one session. The composer wrote most of the score. Wynter Waxeth appears at the end of the 37-track sequence; a separate piece, Wynter Waxeth I, occupies position 24. Carolan’s opening title track is already available to hear.[1]
December releases follow earlier Eggers collaborations
The digital soundtrack is scheduled for 18 December, followed by a Sacred Bones vinyl edition on 29 January 2027. Werwulf reaches cinemas on 25 December. Eggers and co-writer Sjón place its threatened family in 14th-century England, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe and Lily-Rose Depp in the cast. Carolan previously composed for Eggers’ The Northman and Nosferatu.[1]
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