In this episode we conclude the Mother of Kings series by exploring several stories of royal mothers in Old Norse literature. We then bring things to close, tracing Gunnhild's fall from power and her mysterious fate. For more information and a

Mother of Kings Supplement - Maiden Kings

Jun 11th, 2019 46m 41s

In this supplemental episode, we explore a complex and fascinating set of characters found in several Sagas - the Maiden Kings. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out our website: https://vikingagepodcas

Mother of Kings VI - The Mother of Kings

Jun 10th, 2019 55m 32s

In this episode, we follow Gunnhild konungamóðir as her sons ascend to the Norwegian throne and she finally acquires her famous title. We will then examine the significant authority which Gunnhild enjoyed at this time, as well as how Icelandic

Mother of Kings V - I Lay This Curse on You

Apr 10th, 2019 1h 19m

In this episode, we return to the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir, exploring her time in exile in Denmark and her son's eventual return to power in Norway. We then turn our attention to the broader topic of women, power and magic in th

Mother of Kings IV - A Woman of Great Dignity

Feb 28th, 2019 1h 2m

In this episode, we continue to discuss the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir, tracing her path from Norway to Northern England and finally Denmark as her status was rapidly transformed from Royal to Refugee and back again. Along the way

Mother of Kings III - Cold are the Counsels of Women

Feb 12th, 2019 1h

In this episode, we continue our exploration Gunnhild konungamóðir's life and legend, discussing the power of her words and the speech of powerful women throughout Old Norse Literature. Whether goading their male relatives to violence, adv

Mother of Kings II - A Woman Small of Stature yet Great of Counsel

Jan 29th, 2019 47m 42s

In this episode, we dive into the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir - Mother of Kings - exploring the various stories regarding her origins and early years. Along the way there will be magic, drinking and strange happenings in the N

Mother of Kings I - The Threshold

Jan 15th, 2019 1h 19m

In this episode, we set off on a new mini-series exploring the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir - Mother of Kings - and other powerful women in Old Norse Literature. This first installment doesn't touch too much on Gunnhild herself, but

Eastern Way IV - Gamla Uppsala

Nov 9th, 2018 1h 1m

In this episode we are going to explore the rise of a major center of political, economic and religious life in the land of the Svear - the magnate's residence at Gamla Uppsala. Along the way, we'll discuss monumental burial mounds, systems of

EWIII - Catastrophe and Opportunity

Sep 25th, 2018 1h 3m

The 6th Century was a period of unrest and reorganization throughout Scandinavia. In this episode we are going to explore the evidence we have for these dynamic years and what may have caused this unrest. Ultimately, we want to discover how thi

Eastern Way II - Gods and Kings

Sep 11th, 2018 54m 40s

In this episode we explore the mythical history of the Svear, as it is related to us by the ever-entertaining Snorri Sturluson. Along the way we discuss Divine Kings, Deadly Vats of Meads and even a Half-Giant-Magical-Oxen-Son plough-team. Beli

The Eastern Way I

Aug 28th, 2018 55m 30s

In this episode we begin our exploration of the Baltic Sea region by examining two very different sources of evidence which point to early Viking activities in the Eastern Baltic. First we discuss a dramatic tale which has come down to us from

Snorri Sturluson, Big Farmers & the End of the Icelandic Free State

Jun 5th, 2018 46m 29s

In this episode we conclude our series on Iceland by discussing the rapid changes which shook the Icelandic political system in the 1200s. We discuss the likely causes of these changes, explore the life and times of our good friend Snorri Stur

Poetry and Remembrance

May 15th, 2018 52m 5s

In this episode, we explore poets and poetry in the Norse world, focusing particularly on the role they played in preserving history, myth and legend. Along the way we see what happens when you eat a fish's head, unlock the meaning of confound

Creating the Icelanders

May 1st, 2018 37m 15s

In this episode - the second of two parts - we explore the continued Christianization of Iceland in the 1100s with a particular focus on the development of literate culture and the implications of this new culture on Icelandic Society. Today,

Tithes they are a Changin'

Apr 24th, 2018 36m 20s

In this episode - the first of two parts - we explore the continued Christianization of Iceland in the 1100s with a particular focus on the development of literate culture and the implications of this new culture on Icelandic Society. If

The Christianization of Iceland

Apr 3rd, 2018 52m 52s

In this episode we are going to discuss the first hundred years or so of the Christianization process in Iceland. We will discuss Chieftains, Priests, Churches and the aspirations of one particularly ambitious Icelandic family. More informatio

The Conversion of the Icelanders

Mar 20th, 2018 53m 8s

In this episode we dive headfirst into an event still which profoundly colors and shapes our understanding of the Norse world today. That's right - it's time to discuss the Conversion of the Icelanders which took place at the Althing of 999 or

Christ Comes to Iceland

Mar 6th, 2018 1h 2m

In this episode we explore the early history of Christianity in Iceland. Along the way we talk about kings, prophets, prominent Christian settlers, and missionary methods employed in the Early Middle Ages. Finally we will introduce Thangbrand -

COA10 - Law and Belief in Pagan Iceland

Feb 13th, 2018 54m 48s

In this episode we conclude our discussion on Pagan practice in Iceland by exploring the close connections between the law and pagan beliefs. Along the way we talk about oath rings, the assemblies of the gods and a rather nasty conflict revolvi

Looking Forward - We need your input!

Feb 5th, 2018 8m 8s

I've been working away at future episodes for our Iceland series and I'm realizing that I need to start thinking about what we cover next on the podcast. To help with that choice, I want to get your input. In this not-episode episode I tal

Ritual and Sacrifice in Pagan Iceland

Jan 30th, 2018 50m 57s

In this episode we explore what our sources have to tell us about sacrifice and ritual in Pagan Iceland. Along the way we discuss the method and purpose of sacrifice and the how this may have impacted Icelandic society. Our recommended reading

Bringing Thor to Iceland

Jan 16th, 2018 42m 44s

In this episode we continue our exploration of Pagan Practice in Iceland by taking a look at religious roles and responsibilities held by some of the first Icelandic settlers and how these roles translated to their new home. Our recommended rea

Chieftains and Temples

Jan 2nd, 2018 39m 52s

In this episode we begin to explore Pagan practice in Iceland, focusing on the religious roles of the goðar. In this first episode we will be discussing: - The role played by the goðar in the conversion of Iceland. - A rune stone attesting to a

Icelandic Law and Culture II - The People of Eyri

Nov 29th, 2017 1h 6m

In this episode we continue to explore the dynamics of power, violence and law in Viking Age Iceland. We will do so by discussing many of the conflicts found in Saga of the People of Eyri. Along the way we will cover: A curious young farmer wh