Fact Check: Are Ylvis furries?

Are Ylvis Furries?

The claim that "Ylvis are furries" stems from the viral success of their song "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" and its accompanying music video, which features imagery and themes often associated with the furry fandom. This article will explore the context of this claim, the evidence surrounding it, and the perspectives of various sources.

What We Know

1. Background on Ylvis: Ylvis is a Norwegian comedy duo consisting of brothers Bard and Vegard Ylvisåker. They gained international fame with their song "The Fox," released in September 2013, which became a viral hit, amassing over 1.1 billion views on YouTube by October 2024 2.

2. Content of the Music Video: The music video for "The Fox" features various animal costumes and a scene with individuals in fursuits, which are commonly associated with the furry fandom. However, the Ylvis brothers have publicly stated that they were unaware of the furry community when creating the video 3.

3. Furry Fandom: The furry fandom is a subculture interested in anthropomorphic animals, often expressed through art, literature, and costumes. The term "furry" refers to both the community and the characters they create 1.

4. Public Perception: The connection between Ylvis and the furry fandom has been discussed in various online forums and articles, with some fans labeling the song as "furbait" due to its animal-centric themes 6. However, this label is often used humorously and does not imply that Ylvis identifies as part of the furry community.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

1. Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry for "The Fox" provides a comprehensive overview of the song's impact and context, but it is important to note that Wikipedia is a user-edited platform. While it cites reliable sources, the information should be corroborated with primary sources for accuracy 2.

2. Fursuit References: The blog post from FOXSYLVANIA discusses the presence of fursuited individuals in the music video and mentions the Ylvis brothers' denial of knowing about furries. This source may have a bias towards interpreting the video through a furry lens, which could color its analysis 3.

3. Cultural Commentary: The Pastebin entry discussing Ylvis and the furry fandom presents a more informal perspective, suggesting that the song's animal themes naturally connect it to the furry community. However, as a user-generated content platform, Pastebin lacks editorial oversight, raising questions about the reliability of its claims 10.

4. Media Coverage: Articles from established media outlets, such as TODAY, provide insights into Ylvis's performances and public persona, including their playful engagement with animal themes. However, these sources primarily focus on the entertainment aspect rather than the deeper cultural implications of the furry connection 5.

Methodological Concerns

The claim that Ylvis are furries relies heavily on interpretations of their artistic choices rather than direct statements from the artists themselves. While the presence of fursuits in the video may suggest a connection to the furry fandom, the brothers' explicit denial of familiarity with the community complicates this narrative. Further, the discussion surrounding this claim often lacks rigorous analysis of the furry fandom's characteristics and how they relate to Ylvis's work.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To better understand the relationship between Ylvis and the furry fandom, it would be beneficial to have:

• Interviews or statements from the Ylvis brothers addressing the furry community directly.
• Insights from furry community members regarding their perceptions of Ylvis and the song.
• Academic analyses of the cultural implications of "The Fox" within the context of the furry fandom.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Ylvis are furries is false. The evidence primarily consists of the presence of animal costumes and fursuits in the music video for "The Fox," which some interpret as a connection to the furry fandom. However, the Ylvis brothers have explicitly stated that they were not aware of the furry community when creating the video, undermining the assertion that they identify as furries.

It is important to recognize that while the song and its visuals may resonate with themes familiar to the furry community, this does not equate to membership or identification with that community. The interpretation of their work as "furbait" is often made in jest and should not be taken as a definitive label.

Limitations in the available evidence include a lack of direct statements from the Ylvis brothers regarding their views on the furry fandom and the reliance on subjective interpretations of their artistic choices. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate claims and consider the context and nuances surrounding them.

Sources

1. What Does The Fox Say Lyrics. Link
2. The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) - Wikipedia. Link
3. What Does The Fox Say? - FOXSYLVANIA. Link
4. Questlove Answers Ylvis' Question: "What Does the Fox Say?" on Fallon. Link
5. TODAY's Takeaway: 'Saddest' shutdown photo, what the fox really says. Link
6. Is the entirety of Ylvis's music video, what does... Link
7. The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?) | Teh Meme Wiki. Link
8. The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?) | Just Dance Wiki. Link
9. Bad Battle Suggestions 3 - Ylvis vs God. Link
10. Ylvis Vs the Furry Fandom - Pastebin.com. Link