"Heart of Courage" is a song created by the American music company Two Steps from Hell. It was written by Thomas Bergersen, one of the company's founders. The song came from the "drama" section of their 2008 demo album called Legend. This album was used only in the movie advertising industry to find music for ads. Later, the song was sold to the public on the company's first commercial album, Invincible, which was released on May 3, 2010.

This song is the most well-known work by the group. It has been widely used around the world as background music for movie and video game trailers, TV commercials, and large events. It became especially famous when it was played as the music for teams entering the field at all 31 matches of UEFA Euro 2012. This use made the song very popular and connected it closely with the tournament.

Description

"Heart of Courage" is a musical piece that uses both an orchestra and a choir. It focuses on string instruments, especially the violin and cello. The instrumental parts were played by the Capellen Orchestra from the Czech Republic, and the choir parts were performed by The Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir.

The song starts softly and slowly in the key of B-flat minor. After about 30 seconds, a repeated rhythm is added, and at around 45 seconds, a memorable melody begins. The choir sings short phrases, usually just one or two words. The music grows louder and more intense until about halfway through the song, when it shifts to the key of E-flat minor and reaches its loudest and most powerful point at around 1 minute and 40 seconds. The strings continue playing until the end of the piece, returning to B-flat minor and fading out quietly.

The song is known for being powerful and emotional. Soundstripe describes it as a piece that creates a sense of adventure and excitement, making listeners feel like they are experiencing a different time or place. It can make people feel strong emotions, which is why many professional athletes use it as a motivational song before important games.

Appearances

"Heart of Courage" has appeared on several Two Steps from Hell albums:

• Legend (2008) – An early version album; first time the song was released.
• Invincible (2010) – The first official release for sale to the public.
• Legacy (2015) – A special collection of popular songs available only in Japan.
• Two Steps from Hell: Ringtones (2016) – Available only for mobile devices; the song was divided into three short parts meant for use as phone ringtones.
• Legend Anthology (2019) – Includes a version of the song without choir vocals.
• Greatest Hits Remastered (2020) – An early version album; the song was digitally improved for better sound quality.
• Live – An Epic Music Experience (2022) – Contains a live performance of the song recorded during their 2022 European Tour.

Use in media

The following are examples of how "Heart of Courage" has been used in different types of media:

• In movie trailers for films such as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and Avatar.
• In movie trailers for television shows such as the NBC series Revolution, the BBC series Frozen Planet, and the ABC series Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.
• In movie trailers for video games such as Mass Effect 2, Ryse: Son of Rome, Nehrim: At Fate's Edge (a total conversion mod of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion), the 2014 trailer for Angry Birds Epic, and Game of War: Fire Age.
• In television shows such as Top Gear (BBC), where it appears in multiple episodes; as the opening theme for Nathan for You (Comedy Central); in History Channel documentaries; in an episode of The Masked Singer; in the Greek reality series Survivor Greece and Survivor Turkey; in the Italian series Ulysses – The Pleasure of Discovery [it] and Journey into the Great Beauty [it]; and as the opening theme for the German YouTube series 7 vs. Wild, as well as in reportages by Italian journalist Enrico Lucci.
• In television commercials and promotional videos such as for the Ferrari FF in 2011, for a new Mercedes-Benz SUV in 2015, for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, for multiple reed.co.uk advertisements in 2016, and for Amazon Alexa in 2020.
• During stadium events and festivals such as the opening theme for all matches of UEFA Euro 2012, at multiple stages of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, as part of the music for Europe's largest firework display in France, the Great Fire of Saint-Cloud [fr] in 2012, and as the entrance music for numerous clubs in German football leagues.

Samples and remixes

The main part of the melody has been used again in two popular songs:

• "Darkside" by Alan Walker during the chorus when the lyrics are "I see it, let's feel it, while we're still young and fearless."
• "Beast in Black" by Beast in Black during the verses.

"The Unknown" by Frequencerz is a remix of "Heart of Courage" that uses a higher musical key and a style called hardstyle.