Saga Thing
Saga Thing is a podcast for people who love history, literature, Vikings and all things medieval. In each episode, the hosts review a saga from medieval Iceland and then dig in to categories for discussion, including: Best Bloodshed, Body Count, Notable Witticisms, Nicknames, Outlawry, Thingmen, and Ratings.
Episodes
Hwaet a Movie - Episode 7: Outlander (2008)
Hwæt a Movie! returns with yet another adaptation of the epic Old English poem Beowulf.
This time, we've got Outlander, a surprisingly fun tale of an alien crash-landing in 8th century Norway as he hunts down the monstrous Moorwen that killed his family. Of course, the Moorwen had some cause to be angry after a genocidal attack on the Moorwen planet. But let's not dwell on how it all started. Outl
Saga Brief 29 - Interview with Ármann Jakobsson on Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas
In this very special Saga Brief, we sit down with Ármann Jakobsson (one of our favorite saga scholars) to discuss his latest book, Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas (Palgrave Macmillan). Following the theme of the book, we dive into the many overlooked and often nameless characters who so often breathe life and meaning into the sagas.
Since we have mentioned Ármann so many times on the podcast,
Episode 41g – Viga-Glum’s Saga (Judgments)
It's finally time--time to bring the saga of Viga-Glúm before the Saga Thing for judgment. Join us as we hand out the awards for Best Bloodshed, Notable Witticism, Best Nickname, and more. Can Andy forgive this story for its wanton cruelty to animals? Will John reward or punish the saga for the weaselly trickery of Thorvard Pot-Stirrer? Who will the two judges choose to join their mead halls? And
Saga Short 16 - The Tale of Thorvald Chatterbox
We want to share this little treat of a þáttr with you all before we release the Judgments episode for The Saga of Víga-Glúm. The Tale of Thorvald Chatterbox (Þorvalds þáttr tasalda) is a gem from the Flateyjarbók biography of King Ólaf (Óláfs saga Tryggvasonar en mesta).
If Thorvald's fantastic revivification and battle prowess with a ship's oar left you wanting more, then this fast-paced Saga Sh
Episode 41f - Víga-Glúm's Saga (chapters 24-28)
When last we left Glúm, he was enjoying the fruits of his violent labors against the men of Espihóll and sharing an enigmatic verse about his personal body count. When Þorvarð the Troublemaker hears about this, he's quick to set Þórarin on the case, forcing Glúm to swear an oath that he played no part in the killing of Þorvald Hook.
Will this oath clear Glúm of any guilt in the matter or will his
Episode 41e - Viga-Glum's Saga (chapters 20-23)
At long last, we return . . . to the prophecy about the cousins Steinólf and Arngrím. Oddbjörg. What could possibly break the bond of these BFFs? Hopefully Arngrím’s wife can make some sense of their little feud and help heal the fracture in their relationship.
Speaking of fractures, this is the episode where things really pop off between Glúm and the men of Espihóll and we begin rushing headlong
Episode 41d - Viga-Glum's Saga (chapters 16-19)
In this episode, we catch up with an old friend called Killer-Skuta. You might remember him from The Saga of the People of Reykjadal and of Killer-Skuta. We'll revisit a familiar story from that saga where Killer-Skuta makes an attempt on the life of Killer-Glum and try to make sense of how it ended up in this saga (and that one). That leads to an inevitable conversation about saga writing, manusc
Episode 41c - Víga-Glúm's Saga (chapters 10-15)
In this episode, Glúm continues to establish himself as a leading figure in southern Eyjafjörður. We start with a brief overview of the many marriages that take place at this stage of the saga, including:
Glúm - Halldóra
Thórir of Espihóll - Thórdís
Thórarinn of Espihóll - Thorgerd
Thorvald Hook of Espihóll - Thorkötla
Of course, the real trouble starts when Thórir's son Thorgrím sets his heart
Episode 41b - Viga-Glum's Saga (chapters 6-9)
Saga Thing returns after a much-needed holiday to pick up the story of young Glúm Eyjólfsson, better known to history as Víga-Glúm.
When last we left you, Glúm's father (Eyjólf, who some called Lump) had passed away. Seeking any advantage they could get in the district, Thorkel the Tall and his son Sigmund claimed the best land at Thverá for themselves, pushing Ástrid and Glúm to the margins of th
Episode 41a - Viga-Glum's Saga (chapters 1-5)
We’re thrilled to kick off our first episode of Víga-Glúms saga, the last of the sagas of Eyjafjörð. Víga-Glúms saga is one of the great character-driven Íslendingasögur, often drawing comparisons to Egils saga. Now, whether that’s because it also happens to be a biographical saga or because it’s of a similar quality will have to be sorted out on the podcast across the overview and judgments. But
Saga Short 15 - Halloween Tales featuring "The Cairn-Dweller's Tale" (Kumlbúa þáttr) and The Dream of Thorstein Siðu-Hallsson
A little Halloween treat for all you Saga Thing fans. You'll want to listen with headphones to get the full effect on these two spooky tales.
Listen and then share your thoughts on our social media:
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Music Credits
Intro Music - from “Death Awaits” by Billy Malmstrom
Outro
Hwaet a Movie - Episode 6 - Beowulf (2007)
Hwæt a Movie is back! This time we dive deep into the uncanny valley epic Beowulf from 2007. Released at the height of Robert Zemeckis's motion-capture mania, this version of our favorite Old English classic promised to bring the poem to life like never before. It was slated to be an event like no other, at least for John and Andy.
In this star-studded and CG-saturated film, Ray Winstone voices a
Saga Brief 28 - Ljósvetninga Saga Interview with Dr. Yoav Tirosh
In this episode, we finally sit down with Dr. Yoav Tirosh, one of the leading voices in Old Norse–Icelandic studies and an all-around fascinating person to talk to. Yoav has written extensively on topics ranging from Ljósvetninga Saga and saga authorship to storytelling, cultural memory, and disability studies. He’s also the creative force behind the webcomic Viking Comics, a seasoned Icelandic t
Episode 40i - Ljósvetninga Saga (Judgments)
After nearly a year of working our way through Ljósvetninga Saga, it is finally time to bring it to the Saga Thing and pass judgments. As always, we'll pass out awards for Best Bloodshed, Nicknames, and Notable Witticisms. We'll send one (or more?) scoundrel in Outlawry. And we'll also discuss the Body Count, pick Thingmen, and offer our Final Ratings.
Does Ljósvetninga Saga have what it takes to
Episode 40h - Ljósvetninga Saga (chapters 28-31)
In this episode, we finally come to the end of Ljósvetninga saga! And there are a lot of loose ends to wrap up. Eyjolf Guðmundarson still burns for vengeance against his brother’s killers, but the courts have spared the Möðruvellings, exiling them instead. The outlawed Möðruvellings plan to spread out across Northern Europe, but they have to get out of Iceland first—and the clock is ticking.
Our
Episode 40g - Ljósvetninga Saga (chapters 25-27)
In this episode, the Ljósvetnings and Möðruvellings maneuver to position themselves to maximize potential outcomes in the aftermath of the battle of Battle Hill. While Þorvarður Höskuldsson does his best to calm tensions and shield his allies, Eyjólfur Guðmundarson wants more than financial compensation for the killing of his "beloved" brother Koðrán.
And just like last time, both sides rally sup
Saga Brief 27d - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir)
In this special Saga Brief, we wrap up our four-part series from Iceland with an interview recorded in the shadow of Snæfellsjökull, one of the most iconic landscapes in the country. This time, we are joined by Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir, park manager of Snæfellsjökull National Park, for a wide-ranging conversation about the sagas, Icelandic heritage, and the powerful connection between people and
Episode 40f - Ljósvetninga Saga (chapters 22-24)
Though Guðmund the Powerful has been laid to rest, tensions between the Möðruvellings and the Ljósvetnings continue into the next generation. In a bold move toward peace, Eyjólf Guðmundarson (the new leader of the Möðruvellings) attempts to create peace by forming an alliance with Þorvarð Hóskuldsson (grandson of Þorgeir Lawspeaker and leader of the Ljósvetnings). But there's a dark cloud on the
Saga Brief 27c - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Anna Melsteð)
This special Saga Brief interview with Anna Melsteð (of the Eyrbyggja Saga Society) was recorded at the foot of Helgafell on a drizzly afternoon following a full day of exploring key sites from Eyrbyggja Saga with Anna, Eyberg, and Guðlaug as our guides.
Our day began with a quick viewing of the original site of the Þórsnessþing, mainly to get a view of where drítsker might be.
We followed that u
Saga Brief 27b - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Sigrún Guttormsdóttir Þormar at Snorrastofa)
In this special Saga Brief, we visit historic Reykholt, once home to Snorri Sturluson, for a fascinating conversation with Sigrún Guttormsdóttir Þormar, department manager at Snorrastofa. This interview is the second installment in our four-part series recorded on-site during our recent trip to Iceland.
Sigrún generously met with us on a Saturday to talk about Snorri’s life, legacy, and the impor
Episode 40e - Ljósvetninga Saga (chapters 18-21)
With Þórir Helgason freshly outlawed, Guðmund inn ríki (the Powerful) turns his attention to Þorkell hák (Bully) to sate his thirst for revenge. Speaking of thirst, Þorkell lands one of the sickest burns we've heard in a long while at Guðmund´s expense.
After butting heads since the first chapters of the saga, these two finally come to blows in a thrilling and hilarious climax. Who comes out on t
Saga Brief 27a - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Bjorn Grimsson)
On our recent trip to Iceland, we had the pleasure of speaking to a variety of fascinating people about their interest in the sagas. Our goal was to get a sense of how these individuals read and engage with these medieval texts in a modern context.
Saga Brief 27, a 4 part interview series, is the result of those efforts.
In this first episode, we chat with Björn Júlíus Grímsson, an Icelandic tour
Episode 40d - Ljósvetninga Saga (chapters 13-17)
Tensions have been building in Eyjafjörður as nearly everyone in the north seems to have it out for Guðmundr inn ríki. Across the last few episodes, Guðmundr has taken loss after loss when pitted against some of the region’s heavy hitters. Perhaps things will turn out differently for him when he embarks on a campaign of legal vengeance against Þórir Helgason, a rival chieftain whose been spreadin
Episode 40C - Ljósvetninga Saga (chapters 8-12)
We return with the tale of Vöðu-Brand, another entertaining þáttr from the opening section of Ljósvetninga Saga. This is the story of a troublesome young man who is bored with life the farm in northern Iceland. His restlessness carries him across the sea for a brief and somewhat turbulent stay in Norway. Once back in Iceland, young Brand can't seem to get out of his own way, causing a spot of trou
Episode 40b - Ljosvetninga Saga (chapters 5-7)
While we don't make major progress through Ljósvetninga saga in this episode, we have a great time talking about two of the three þættir that fill a gap in the manuscript. Another gap in a manuscript? Indeed. We open the episode with a very brief discussion of the A and C manuscripts to help explain what's going on there.
At the heart of this episode are two tales. The first is known as Sörla þát
Episode 40a - Ljosvetninga Saga (chapters 1-4)
It's time to begin our series on Ljósvetninga Saga! In this episode, we introduce the saga and work our way through the first four chapters.
While Ljósvetninga Saga focuses on the career of Guðmundr inn ríki (Gudmund the Powerful), he plays a small role in this episode. Instead, we focus on a conflict between Thorgeir Lawspeaker and his sons over the fate of an outlaw. This one is the apéritif ser
Saga Short 14 - The Second Tale of Halldor Snorrason
In this episode, we review the second Tale of Halldor Snorrason (Halldórs þáttr Snorrasonar inn síðari) from the 13th-century Morkinskinna (moldy or rotten skin/parchment). If you enjoyed the first of Halldor's tales, we think you'll like this one even more. Last time, Halldor pushed his relationship with King Harald Hardrada to the brink but in this episode he may just push things over the edge.
Holiday Special (2025): Egil's Yuletide Carol
Gleðileg jól frá Saga Thing! Long before Charles Dickens penned his beloved A Christmas Carol, a well-known and infamous Icelander seems to have had a similar idea. While less wholesome and optimistic than the Dickens classic, there’s surely a lesson somewhere in this tale that we’re calling Egil’s Yuletide Carol.
Inspired by the 1930s radio dramatizations of A Christmas Carol starring Lionel Bar
Hwaet a Movie - Episode 5 - Beowulf: Prince of the Geats (2007)
Hwæt a Movie returns with Beowulf: Prince of the Geats! Given how hard this one is to find, we’d be surprised if any of you have seen it.
Released in March 2007, shortly after SYFY's Grendel and ahead of Robert Zemeckis's Beowulf, this Scott Wegener-directed indie film dives into the epic tale with a unique take on the hero and his legendary battles. And while the film’s limited budget and produc
Saga Short 13 - The First Tale of Halldor Snorrason
Saga Thing returns once again to the tales of Icelanders from the sagas of Norwegian kings with a surprise double feature of tales involving Halldór Snorrason, the son of Snorri goði and longtime companion of King Harald "harðráða" Sigurdsson.
We open with The Tale of the Story-wise Icelander [Íslendings þáttr sögufróða], a fun little story about an Icelander who makes a name for himself telling t
Hwaet a Movie 4 - Grendel (2007)
Hwæt a Movie returns with the Beowulf film you didn’t know you needed to see: SYFY’s Grendel. Released at the start of 2007, ahead of Beowulf: Prince of the Geats and Robert Zemeckis’s Beowulf, Grendel rides the wave of Beowulf-mania that was sweeping nation back then. Or perhaps it started the craze?
And while you might think based on the title that this film picks up where Beowulf and Grendel l
Episode 39c - Valla-Ljot's Saga (Judgments)
It's time to put Valla-Ljot's Saga on trial. How will this brief story that's less than a single Hrafnkel hold up under scrutiny? Is there enough violence for a proper round of Best Bloodshed and Body Count? With only a few nicknames, how will John stretch his section out to the usual length? What kind of surprise reveal does John drop on Andy at the start of Thingmen? And how does Valla-Ljot's Sa
Episode 39b - Valla-Ljot's Saga (chapters 6-9)
We’re back, and not a moment too soon! After the pot-stirring life and unceremonious death of Halli Troublemaker at the hands (and axe) of Valla-Ljöt Ljotolfsson, Halli’s older brother Hrolf Jaw retaliated by having Ljöt’s nephew Thorvard killed by a squad of murderers at a market. Now the whole valley’s on edge, waiting to see whether a carefully-brokered truce between Ljöt and Guðmund the Powerf
Episode 39a - Valla-Ljot's Saga (chapters 1-5)
While we may have finished Svarfdaela Saga, we're not done with the most tumultuous valley of medieval Iceland just yet. In this episode, we pick up with the next generation. The lead actors in this little drama are Halli, the grandson of Karl the Red, and Ljot (aka Valla-Ljot), the son of Ljotolf the godi. And though the tensions between Karl and Ljotolf's families had cooled at the end of Svarfd
Hwaet a Movie - Episode 3 - Beowulf and Grendel
It's time for the third installment of our side project known as Hwaet a Movie! In this episode, we give the Saga Thing treatment to the 2005 Canadian-Icelandic film Beowulf and Grendel. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it (even if our review might not cast it in the brightest light). The film stars Gerard Butler as Beowulf, Stellan Skarsgård as Hrothgar, and Sarah Polley
Saga Short 12 - The Tale of Thorleif Earl's Poet
Though Svarfdaela Saga itself is behind us, the story of the inhabitants of the Tumultuous Valley continues. In this episode, we follow Thorleif Asgeirsson, one of Klaufi's killers and the brother of Yngvild.
As you'll discover, Thorleif has that independent spirit that Icelanders carry with them into the courts of Norwegian rulers. He's also got a talent for poetry, which serves him well both at
Saga Brief 26 - The Post-Classical or Rogue Sagas: Interview with Dr. Rebecca Merkelbach
Join us for an in-depth interview with Dr. Rebecca Merkelbach, Assistant Professor of Old Norse-Icelandic Studies at the University of Tübingen, Germany. Her latest book, Story, World and Character in the Late Íslendingasögur: Rogue Sagas, offers a fresh perspective on the often overlooked "post-classical" sagas. We delve into the complex and fascinating nature of these sagas, exploring their soc
Episode 38h - Svarfdaela Saga (Judgments)
After 7 exciting episodes (they were exciting, right?), we're finally ready to put Svarfdaela Saga on trial. As usual, we drag the text to the Saga Thing and review it through our judgment categories:
Best Bloodshed
Body Count
Nicknames
Notable Witticisms
Outlawry
Thingmen
Final Ratings
How does Svarfdaela Saga stack up against the 30+ other sagas we've reviewed so far? Do we judge it as harshly
Episode 38g - Svarfdaela Saga (chapters 22-27)
This is it. We've reached the end of Svarfdaela Saga.
In this episode, we discuss the aftermath of Karl the Red's death. Will Ljotolf step up and retake control of the valley? Or will a new contender emerge to challenge his authority? And what becomes of Skidi and Yngvild? The answers may shock you.
Seriously. This is a tough one for a number of reasons. We've mentioned that the end of this saga
Episode 38f - Svarfdaela Saga (chapters 18-21)
In this episode, things come to a head between the factions of Thorstein the Tumultuous and Ljotolf the godi (quite literally). Listen in and find out what happens as Karl the Red learns about the death of his best friend and the whole valley is thrown into chaos. We're in the heart of the saga now and things are getting real juicy.
Join in on the conversation here:
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Episode 38e - Svarfdaela Saga (chapters 14b-17)
In this episode, Klaufi rescues his friend Karl the Red from a terrible Viking called Atli. But don't get too excited about Klaufi becoming the hero of this saga. He also kills a whole bunch of people, causes general havoc, and even gets married by dubious means. We also get to see him in full berserker mode, which can be fun (if viewed from a distance).
All of this makes one wonder, just how long
Episode 38d - Svarfdaela Saga (chapters 10-14a)
With the Big Lacuna now behind us, we embark onto a new adventure in what may or may not be (but probably is) a new saga. Is this the same Thorstein we've come to grow and love? Or is it a different man altogether?
In the end, it doesn't matter much because Thorstein shifts into the background as new characters take center stage, like Karl the Red, Gris the Merry, and Klaufi the Mauler. That's a
Episode 38c - Svarfdaela Saga (The Big Lacuna)
In this episode, we find ourselves navigating the murky depths of the massive gap in Svarfdæla saga that we call "The Big Lacuna." What happened to Thorstein Thorgnirsson when he left Sweden? Why is he feuding with someone named Ljotolf in Iceland? How did he get to Iceland? Is that even the same Thorstein or is it Thorstein's son or maybe his grandson? And what the hell is happening here!?!
But n
Episode 38b - Svarfdaela Saga (chapters 6-10)
We return to the tale of Thorstein as seeks fame, honor, and a bit of respect from his father. He's already defeated the great Viking known as Ljot the Pale, which is a big feather in his cap. Unfortunately, he lost his brother Thorolf in the battle. Eager to bury his beloved brother in style, Thorstein heads for the shores of Sweden where he'll meet an aging jarl with a problem that only the brav
Episode 38a - Svarfdaela Saga (chapters 1-6)
We begin the new year with a saga that has been compared to the works of Shakespeare himself. Not necessarily in a favorable light, but definitely compared. As we hinted in our 10th Anniversary episode, we're jumping into the sagas of Eyjafjörður in Northern Iceland (including Svarfdæla saga, Valla-Ljóts saga, Víga-Glúms saga, and Ljósvetninga saga).
Up first is Svarfdæla saga, a surprisingly com
The Yule Lads
Gleðileg jól frá Saga Thing! We're back with another exciting holiday discovery for you. This time, we share a bit of backgroundy stuff about the famous Yule Lads of Icelandic tradition before premiering a brand new poem about them. This may or may not be the oldest surviving poem about the Yule Lads, though we have some suspicions about the nature of the manuscript we were working from for the tr
Hwaet a Movie - Episode 2 - The 13th Warrior
It's time for another installment of our side quest podcast, Hwaet a Movie! In this episode, we review the other Beowulf movie from 1999. That's right, there were two. This one stars Antonio Banderas as the far-traveled Ahmed Ibn Fadlan, an unlikely hero and perhaps originator of the Beowulf legend. Sure . . . that's the ticket. Join us for a rather exhaustive overview of The 13th Warrior, Saga T
Episode 37e - The Saga ofHavard of Isafjord (Judgments)
After 4 episodes of reviewing The Saga of Havard of Isafjord (Hávarðar saga Ísfirðings), it's time to take it to the Saga Thing. In this episode, we pass judgment on the usual categories: Best Bloodshed, Nicknames, Notable Witticisms, Outlawry, and Thingmen. This saga proved to be more interesting in some categories than in others, but does Havard's Saga have what it takes to earn a good score fro
Episode 37d - The Saga of Havard of Isafjord (chapters 19-24)
While Havard and his band of merry cousins and bloodthirsty tweens hides out at Atli's, his good friend Steinthor is heading to the Althing to work his magic on a settlement for all the killings. But there's one more brother of the sons of Thjodrek out there. His name is Thorarin and he's a chieftain of some consequence. He's hatched a plot that could earn him a healthy settlement and a bloody rev
Episode 37c - The Saga of Havard of Isafjord (chapters 11-18)
What do you do after a successful killing spree? Kill some more! At least that seems to be Havard of Isafjord's motto. There's a certain logic to it as one killing begets another. But Thorbjorn has a lot of brothers and there's only so much killing Havard can do before he needs to find a sweet spot to hide out. Perhaps that nice fella from the Althing who offered his help will provide the protecti
Hwæt a Movie! - Episode 1 - Beowulf (1999)
As part of our 10th Anniversary extravaganza, we are launching what could become a new podcast: Hwæt a Movie! It's a movie review podcast focusing on films with a medieval (or medieval adjacent) setting.
To get this little experiment off on the right foot, we are starting with a series on Beowulf movies. There are a lot of them and they aren't necessarily good representations of the poem. But that
10th Anniversary of Saga Thing (Part 2) - How Well Do You Know Your Co-Host (with Totalus Rankium)
One episode wasn't enough to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. In this special bonus episode, you get double the podcast hosts! We're joined by our good friends Rob and Jamie from Totalus Rankium for another thrilling edition of How Well Do You Know Your Co-Host! Originally intended to be part of a single anniversary episode, we had so much fun that we had to break it off into its own special epi
10th Anniversary of Saga Thing
Join us as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary with some reminiscing, listener interaction, ridiculous bits, and a lot of laughs. There might even be a hilarious surprise guest appearance here as well. And if that's not enough for you, we've got two more bonus episodes to sate your appetite.
As we say more than once in this episode, thank you for listening. Whether you've been listening for 10 year
Episode 37b - The Saga of Havard of Isafjord (chapters 6-11)
[Quick Note: This episode appears to be over 8 hours long. It's a cruel joke by the podbean upload. The actual length is just over 90 minutes. It will end where it's supposed to.]
We’re back with another installment of Hávarðar saga Ísfirðings, The Saga of Havard of Isafjord. This one is quickly becoming a new Saga Thing favorite. In this episode, Havard lays around, Bjargey gets busy, Thorbjorn t
Episode 37a - The Saga of Havard of Isafjord (chapters 1-5)
Saga Thing returns with a brand-new episode for a brand new saga from late medieval Iceland. In this episode, we dip our toes into the first five chapters of Hávarðar saga Ísfirðings, The Saga of Havard of Isafjord. It’s a story of good guys vs. bad guys in this surprisingly fun but little-known classic.
The heroes of this episode are Olaf and his parents, Havard and Bjargey. The villains are Tho
Saga Short 11 - The Tale of Bolli Bollason
With Laxdaela Saga behind us, we turn to the Tale of Bolli Bollason to bring the journey to a proper end. In this fun little story, Bolli Bollason finds himself swept into more than one conflict up in northern Iceland. Does he have the social and political (and warrior) savvy to go there and back again without a scratch? Listen and find out!
Warning: Andy goes a bit crazy with the maps and topogr
Episode 36o - Laxdaela Saga (Judgments)
After a very close inspection and lengthy investigation, we are finally ready to put Laxdaela Saga on trial. As it's been over a year since we started, John and I take our time reviewing the candidates for our usual Saga Thing categories:
Best Bloodshed
Body Count
Nicknames
Notable Witticisms
Outlawry
Thingmen
Final Ratings
Our thanks to all of you out there who have listened, commented, and eng
Episode 36n - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 72-78)
We began our journey through Laxdaela Saga in April of 2022. A year and many many episodes later, we finally come to the end. Please join us as we discuss the final few chapters of the saga. It may be a little difficult to find the narrative thread if you're expecting to follow Bolli or Gudrun through these last pages of the text. They're certainly there, but the saga's ending is designed to wrap
Saga Brief 24 - Slavery in the Viking Age (Live Presentation at the University of Connecticut)
We were recently invited to speak at the University of Connecticut's Annual Medieval Studies/ECE Outreach Seminar on a variety of subjects related to the Viking Age. We prepared and recorded our morning presentation on Slavery in the Viking Age as a Saga Brief so that everyone in our listening audience could enjoy. It's a subject Andy's been thinking about a lot as we've been working our way throu
Episode 36m - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 65-71)
In this episode, Guðrún Ósvífsdóttir teaches Helgi Harðbeinsson all about loopholes in betrothal oaths. And if Helgi was feeling bad after getting let down by Guðrún, he feels that much worse when he sees his fylgja walking the opposite direction as he approaches the Althing. This episode also features a mysterious talking black cloak, Guðrún's fourth wedding, and more machinations by Snorri goði.
Episode 36l - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 59-64)
While 12 years may have passed since the slaying of Bolli, not a day passed that Gudrun wasn't thinking of getting her revenge on the Olafssons and their companions. Now that her two sons, Thorleik and Bolli, are old enough to avenge their father, Gudrun arranges a secret meeting with Snorri godi to lay out a cunning plan. Unfortunately for Gudrun, Snorri doesn't share her enthusiasm for attackin
Episode 36k - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 52-58)
In this episode, Bolli finds out what happens when you kill your foster brother. We discuss Thorgerd Egilsdottir's lust for vengeance, how the avengers assemble, and Gudrun's handling of yet another loss. This episode also features some special guest appearances by some familiar faces from Saga Thing past and the first appearance of Bolli Bollason.
When all is finished, we summons Bolli before th
Episode 36j - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 47-51)
In this thrilling episode, Kjartan asserts his presence in the district (and gets a taste of revenge) by humiliating Bolli, Gudrun, and the Osvifssons. I'd love to tell you more in this teaser about how he goes about that, but I don't want to spoil the fun. And even as Kjartan pushes back against his rivals at Laugar, Gudrun pushes back harder. All of this sets up one of the saga's most exciting
Holiday Special - The Tale of Frosti Snjokarlinn
Happy Holidays to all you amazing Saga Thing listeners out there! Over the past couple years we've put out a Holiday Special on or around Christmas Eve. It started with The Saga of Gudmund the Grunch. And then last year we gave you the little known origins of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas in "A Visit From Glam."
This year we managed to find a fun short story to share with you about a man calle
Episode 36i - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 43-46)
This episode is all about Kjartan coming to terms with Bolli's betrayal. As he comes to realize his relationship with Gudrun came to an abrupt and unexpected end while he was overseas, Kjartan finds solace in his family and in the arms of a new (and much better) woman. But just when everything seems to be moving in the right direction, feast season begins and some rather important gifts from Norwe
Episode 36h - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 40-43)
In this episode, Kjartan and Bolli say goodbye to Gudrun and to the safety of Iceland as they travel overseas to make a name for themselves in Norway. Unfortunately for them, Norway is in the midst of a political and religious transition as the country and all who enter it find themselves under the influence of King Olaf Tryggvason. The new king is eager to convert all and sundry to Christianity,
Episode 36g - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 35-40, but actually only to 38)
In this episode we go back to chapter 35 to pick up on the story of the Hebridean sorcerers. I don’t think you’ll be surprised to find out that they’re not exactly welcomed with open arms by the Icelanders. To be fair, this family of sorcerers are particularly bad.
As these illustrations by @skarphedin_illustrator suggest, it doesn't turn out too well for them.
We also get a chance to check in w
Episode 36f - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 31-36)
It's time to dive back into Laxdaela Saga! This time we're going to wander away from Olaf Peacock and his family for just a little while. Why? Because it's time to introduce Guðrún Ósvífsdóttir, one of the central figures of the saga! In this episode, we discuss Guðrún's dreams, her troubled marriage, and some interesting scholarship on gender identity in the saga age.
Music Credits
Intro Music -
Saga Brief 25: Saga Manuscripts and the Árni Magnússon Institute: An Interview with Svanhildur Óskarsdóttir
While Andy's away, John will play...a recording of his interview with Svanhildur Óskarsdóttir of the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies in Reykjavik. Join us for a discussion of Árni Magnússon's status as the savior of saga literature and the work of the Institute still carrying on in his name. How important is Árni to Iceland? Well, we found this picture of him:
If that's not enough,
Episode 36e - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 24-31)
In this episode, Olaf Peacock takes center stage as Hoskuld's life comes to a peaceful close. But don't think Hoskuld shuffles off this mortal coil before getting one last jab in at his estranged brother Hrut. This episode features an impressive parade, a somewhat lackluster haunting, a trip to Norway, and funeral and wedding feasts. If that's not enough for you, then you'll want to stay tuned to
Episode 36d - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 20-24)
In this episode, little Olaf Peacock travels to Norway and then to Ireland on a journey to meet his grandfather Myrkjartan. But how will he pay for it? Traveling overseas in the 10th century isn't cheap (it still isn't). How will King Myrkjartan and the Irish welcome the Icelandic son of the long lost Melkorka? And what familiar figure from Saga Thing past pops in for a visit and a quick marriage
Episode 36c - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 14-19)
We're back with the third installment of Laxdæla saga! In this episode, we meet a bunch of minor characters who play a role in the developing tensions in Laxárdalur (the Salmon River Valley). This surprisingly fun section starts with a little disagreement between two former friends over a stack of fish. That disagreement erupts into a violent altercation that drags in the major power players of th
Episode 36b - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 7-13)
With the death of Aud the Deep-Minded and the marriage of her son Olaf Feilan at the end of last episode, you'd expect that we'd be following up on the trajectory of Olaf's life in this one. Instead, we stick to the saga's structure and dive into the life of Olaf's nephew, Hoskuld, the son of Dala-Koll and Olaf's sister, Thorgerd. But don't worry, there's plenty of drama to delight you, even if th
Saga Brief 24 - The Northman Interview with Robert Eggers and Sjón
In this episode, John and Andy sit down with Robert Eggers and Sjón to chat about the stories behind their recently released saga-inspired film The Northman. That’s right, we’re talking to the director and co-writers of the biggest Viking film to be released since Kirk Douglas was a star! Stick around for the last 20-30 minutes where the four of us work together to put The Northman on trial Saga
Episode 36a - Laxdaela Saga (chapters 1-7)
Laxdæla saga holds a special place in the world of medieval Icelandic literature. Of all the Sagas of Icelanders, Laxdæla saga is second only to Njáls saga in the number of surviving manuscripts, suggesting an evergreen enthusiasm and interest in the saga from the time of its composition to the 21st century. While we don’t know for sure who wrote this incredible work of art, many have speculated t
Episode 35b - Third Quarter Court (Results)
You voted for your favorites. Now it's time to hear the results. We discuss your choices and then answer some listener questions. Check out the results for yourself on our Third Quarter Court Results page here.
Here are the Rus sources we mentioned:
The Russian Primary Chronicle
The Place of the Rus in Medieval Europe by Christian Raffensperger
Music Credits
Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by
Saga Brief 23 - Drinking in the Viking Age and the Sagas (Part II - How They Drank)
Skál! It's time for the second part of our Saga Brief series on Drinking in the Viking Age and the Sagas. We've already covered what they drank. Now it's time to look into how they drank. In this episode, we discuss what they drank from and what they did while drinking. Of course, we can only scratch the surface here. There's so much more to say.
Grab a glass of your favorite beverage and join us
Episode 35a - Third Quarter Court (Review)
After 5 action packed years, it's time to meet once again at the Saga Thing Quarter Court. In this episode, we review the judgment winners and a few interesting facts about our journey through the last 10 sagas. Now it's time for you to rank the sagas and vote.
Visit our polls here and make your choices as you listen or after you've heard it all.
The polls are open until March 15th (The Ides of
Saga Brief 22 - Drinking in the Viking Age and the Sagas of Icelanders (Part 1 - What Were They Drinking)
In this long overdue Saga Brief, we discuss drinking in the Viking Age and the Sagas of Icelanders. This first part looks at what they were drinking and how it was perceived culturally. In the second part, coming soon, we'll look into the culture of drinking as we explore where and how they drank.
Here is a short bibliography of the texts and studies referred to, either directly or indirectly, in
Episode 34c - The Saga of Gunnar of Keldugnup (Judgments)
It's time to put The Saga of Gunnar of Keldugnup on trial! And as much fun as it is to say Gunnars saga Keldugnúpsfífls, it's not one of medieval Iceland's better literary artifacts. We finally get to say what we've been thinking in our Final Ratings. But that's not all! Listen in and find out who wins Best Bloodshed, Notable Witticisms, and a hotly contested Nicknames. Speaking of hotly contested
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