North Germanic language
POPULARITY
In this week's episode, we're joined by Nordic witch, rune reader, and author of Queering the Runes, Siri Vincent Plouff, for a deep and delightfully bird-filled dive into runic magic. Siri shares the wild origin story of being claimed by Odin via the infamous “Minneapolis Murder” of crows, how that encounter led them into Heathenry, and what it really means to build a relationship with the runes as living spirits. We unpack common misconceptions about Norse culture, hint it is more than just Viking bros and dreads, the impact of Christianization on the myths, and how Hollywood has flattened an incredibly rich and complex spiritual history.Most importantly, we explore what it means to queer the runes, both as an identity and as a verb. Siri breaks down gender fluidity and performance in Old Norse mythology, Loki's shapeshifting chaos, Odin's relationship to feminine magic, and how queering spiritual systems helps us break out of rigid, heteronormative frameworks. We also talk about ethical rune practice, avoiding white supremacist co-optation, and simple low spoon ways to incorporate runes into daily life, including body poses, pocket magic, and protection work. Whether you're rune curious or already in deep, this conversation will expand your understanding of Nordic magic and maybe even your definition of tradition itself.Find more about Siri below:WebsitePatreonHeathen's Journey PodcastChaos and Cunning PodcastBlueSkyInstagramTikTokRegister for the Queering the Runes courseOrder Molly's book Mundane Magic A Lazy Witch's Guide to Hacking Your Brain, Building a Daily Practice, and Getting Stuff DoneJoin our Patreon for bonus episodes, magical downloads, and unhinged side quests: https://www.patreon.com/demystifymagic
Further reading: Parallels for cetacean trap feeding and tread-water feeding in the historical record across two millennia Haggling over the Hafgufa Many renditions of the hafgufa/aspidochelone: Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. Back in the olden days, as much as 1700 years ago and probably more, up through the 14th century or so, various manuscripts about the natural world talked about a sea monster most people today have never heard of. In ancient Greek it was called aspidochelone, contracted to aspido in some translations, while in Old Norse it was called the hafgufa. But it seemed to be the same type of monster no matter who was writing about it. The animal was a fish, but it was enormous, big enough that it was sometimes mistaken for an island. When its jaws were open they were said to be as wide as the entrance to a fjord. A fjord is an inlet from the sea originally formed by glaciers scraping away at rocks, and then when the glaciers melted the sea filled the bottom of what was then a steep valley. I'm pretty sure the old stories were exaggerating about the sea monster's mouth size. The sea monster ate little fish, but it caught them in a strange way. It would open its mouth very wide at the surface of the water and exude a smell that attracted fish, or in one account it would regurgitate a little food to attract the fish. Once there were lots of little fish within its huge mouth, it would close it jaws quickly and swallow them all. Generally, any sea monster that's said to be mistaken for an island was inspired by whales, or sometimes by sea turtles. The hafgufa is actually included in an Old Norse poem that lists types of whales, and the aspidochelone was considered to be a type of whale even though the second part of its name refers to a sea turtle. So whatever this sea monster was, we can safely agree that it wasn't a fish, it was a whale. Up until just a few centuries ago people thought whales were fish because of their shape, but we know now that they're mammals adapted to marine life. But the hafgufa's behavior is really weird and doesn't seem like something a whale would do. We've talked about skim feeding before, where a baleen whale cruises along at the surface with its mouth held open, until it's gathered enough food in its mouth and can swallow it all at once. But whales aren't known to hold their mouths open at the surface of the water and just sit there while fish swim in. At least, they weren't known to do this until 2011. In 2011, marine biologists studying humpback whales off Canada's Vancouver Island in North America observed some of the whales catching herring and other small fish in an unusual way. The whales would remain stationary in the water, tails straight down with the head sticking up partly out of the water. A whale opened its mouth very wide and didn't move until there were a lot of fish in its mouth, which it then swallowed. Soon after, another team of marine biologists studying Bryde's whales in the Gulf of Thailand in South Asia observed the same activity when the whales were feeding on anchovies at the surface of the water. The term for this activity is called trap feeding or tread-water feeding, and at first the scientists thought it was a response to polluted water that had caused the fish to stay closer to the surface. But once the two teams of scientists compared notes, they realized that it didn't appear to have anything to do with pollution. Instead, it's probably a way to gather food in a low-energy way, especially when there isn't a big concentration of fish in any particular spot, and when researchers remembered the story of the hafgufa, they realized they'd found the solution to that mystery sea monster. The only question was whether the accounts were accurate that the hafgufa emitted a smell or regurgitated food to attract fish. Further observation answered that question too, and it turns out that yes, the old stories were at least partially right. The smell has been compared to rotten cabbage, but it isn't emitted by the whale on purpose. It's a smell released when phytoplankton is eaten in large numbers, whether by fish or whales or something else, and it does attract other animals. As for the regurgitation, this is always something that happens to some degree when a baleen whale feeds. The whale fills its mouth with water that contains the fish and other small animals it eats, and it presses its huge tongue upwards to force the water through its baleen, which acts as a sieve. Whatever's left in its mouth after the water is expelled, it swallows. But baleen is tough and fish are small and delicate in comparison. Often, fish and other small animals get squished to death against the baleen, and parts of them are expelled with the water. This creates a sort of yucky slurry that could be interpreted as a whale regurgitating food to attract more fish. The scientists think that fish are mainly attracted not to any smell or potential food in the water, but to the supposed shelter offered by the whale's giant mouth. It appears that trap feeding is a fairly rare behavior in whales, but one that's been around a lot longer than the last few years. It's also possible that because whaling drove many species nearly to extinction and whale numbers are only just starting to recover, until recently whales didn't need to use this feeding strategy. It seems to be used when a preferred food is widely scattered so that chasing after the fish isn't worth the energy cost, and that's more likely to happen when there are a lot of whales around. It's amazing that this type of feeding strategy has been identified in two different species of whale, and it's even more amazing that it matches up so well with ancient accounts. It's easy to assume that in the olden days, people were kind of stupid, but people back then were just as intelligent as people now. They just didn't have our technology and modern knowledge. They were often extremely observant, though, and luckily for us, sometimes they were able to write their observations down in books that we can still read. Thanks for your support, and thanks for listening!
In this week's episode, Dan is visited by an old friend of the podcast, Mathias Nordvig, to discuss his new book, which introduces the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda.------------------------------------------------Follow Mathias on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mathiasnordvigAlso, check out his new book:https://www.routledge.com/Old-Norse-Mythology-An-Introduction-to-the-Poetic-Edda-and-Prose-Edda/Nordvig/p/book/9781032672816Follow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do, and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's 300th episode, Dan and Mags are joined by a legendary figure in all things Norse for film and academia, Jackson Crawford, to talk about his YouTube career and Old Norse colour semantics.------------------------------------------------Follow Jackson on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JacksonCrawfordAlso, check out his his Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/norsebyswFollow Margrethe on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arkeomagsFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do, and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What do we know for certain about Old Norse ideas about masculinity and femininity, and can Viking Age mythology provide any answers? In conversation with James Osborne, Dr Jackson Crawford discusses the second edition of his translation of the Poetic Edda, and explores what can still be learned from the collection of Old Norse narrative poems that forms the foundation of our understanding of Viking mythology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode, Dan and Mags interview Dan Coultas to ask him about his research into identifying neurodivergent characters in Old Norse literature.------------------------------------------------Follow Dan (Guest) on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thegodsowncountyFollow Margrethe on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arkeomagsFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do, and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick Pedersen, owner of Old Norse Consulting, joined host Jamie Flinchbaugh to explore why product development demands a fundamentally different approach to problem-solving than traditional business processes. During their conversation, Rick explained that while most business functions involve transactional processes that can be documented and repeated, product development centers on building knowledge to solve problems that have never been encountered before. Rick draws a clear distinction between information gathering and genuine knowledge gaps. He explains that a true knowledge gap exists when answers cannot simply be looked up or obtained from an expert. Instead, teams must invest time and resources in building prototypes, running tests, or conducting simulations to create new knowledge. Rick advises teams facing uncertainty to document potential knowledge gaps quickly, then filter them to determine which require actual investigation versus simple research. The conversation revealed how knowledge creation serves as the lifeblood of product development, much like flow serves manufacturing. He emphasizes that the real value in product development comes from creating new knowledge and making it reusable. He compares this to compound interest, where teams that fail to document their discoveries essentially discard their gains rather than letting them accumulate over time. This results in organizations repeatedly solving the same problems across different projects, representing significant waste. Rick advocates for a shift from traditional task-oriented project management to organizing work around knowledge gaps. Rather than focusing solely on completing action items, teams should orient their efforts around closing knowledge gaps through what he calls fast learning loops or fast learning cycles. This approach helps teams understand why they are performing tasks and keeps the focus on building knowledge that enables better decisions. When discussing learning from industry leaders like Toyota, Rick cautions against simply copying their systems. He stresses the importance of understanding the thinking behind why successful companies use specific tools and behaviors, then adapting those principles to each organization's unique situation. He recommends starting small, selecting one or two pilot projects where teams can experiment with new methods while receiving coaching along the way. Rick recently launched the LPPD Bootcamp, an immersive workshop designed to accelerate learning about product development principles. He explains that the workshop addresses a fundamental challenge in product development: the years-long timeframe makes it difficult to see results and adjust quickly. The bootcamp compresses an entire product development cycle into less than a week, allowing participants to experience how different improvements interact and deliver benefits. The environment also helps teams practice cross-functional collaboration and establish shared reference points they can draw upon when working on real projects. Throughout the conversation, Rick emphasized that successful product development requires teams to recognize knowledge gaps, invest in closing them systematically, and capture what they learn for future reuse. For more information about Rick's work, visit oldnorsellc.com and LPPDBootcamp.com, or connect with him on LinkedIn
'Hi, I'm Old Norse specialist Dr. Jackson Crawford' – so begin the YouTube videos with the smooth-talking, stetson-wearing scholar, discussing ancient languages in the scenic Rocky Mountains. To pay Jackson back for having me on his channel three times (most recently here), I gladly hosted him on ALILI. Hence, this forty-second episode is all about Old Norse – what it is, who spoke it, where it came from, and what it became. Support the language-loving mission by joining the ALILI Patreon here: patreon.com/ALanguageILoveIs Get your copy of the translated Poetic Edda here: https://hackettpublishing.com/the-poetic-edda-expanded-second-editionJackson's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JacksonCrawford Host: Dr. Danny BateGuest: Dr. Jackson CrawfordAudio Mixing and Mastering: Jeremiah McPaddenMusic: Acoustic Guitar by William KingArtwork: William Marler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The word “loon” comes from the Old Norse word for “lame.” Because their feet are so far back on their bodies, loons cannot walk on land. But in flight, they're graceful, and under water, they're swift in pursuit of fish. Red-throated Loons – like this one – breed in the far north and winter along both coasts of the United States.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
I welcome several amazing Jungians during the darkening season to discuss a groundbreaking book, Soul Lore of the North: Towards a Synthesis of Jungian Psychology and the Way of the Hero. We'll explore the intersection of Old Norse soul lore and Jungian depth psychology, revealing how ancient mythic frameworks can illuminate the modern psyche. Through themes such as the structure of the soul, the role of spirit-companions, and the heroic journey inward, we'll offer a transformative path to healing and self-discovery. You're invited to walk the shadowed trail of the unconscious, guided by ancestral wisdom and the archetypal quest for wholeness. My astral guests— Cherlyn Jones: https://cljwilson.substack.com/ David Lee: https://linktr.ee/david23lee Ian Read Get The Occult Elvis: https://amzn.to/4jnTjE4 Virtual Alexandria Academy: https://thegodabovegod.com/virtual-alexandria-academy/ Gnostic Tarot Readings: https://thegodabovegod.com/gnostic-tarot-reading/ The Gnostic Tarot: https://www.makeplayingcards.com/sell/synkrasis Homepage: https://thegodabovegod.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aeonbyte AB Prime: https://thegodabovegod.com/members/subscription-levels/ Voice Over services: https://thegodabovegod.com/voice-talent/ Support with donation: https://buy.stripe.com/00g16Q8RK8D93mw288 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This month's episode of the Three Ravens Bestiary is all about one of our favourite topics - Wargs and Werewolves!We start with J.R.R. Tolkien, exploring how the species of intelligent wolf he invented - the Warg - combined Old English and Old Norse words and ideas, bringing different traditions of werewolf belief crashing into the public consciousness.It is this, brought into monster movies over time, that really created the 'Modern' werewolf.Though where does the werewolf's story begin?We're throwing a broad net on this one, including discussions of Skinwalkers and Wendigos, the Epic of Gilgamesh and the first-ever "man beast" in the form of Enkidu; we touch on the Classical myth of King Lycaon of Arcadia, transformed into a wolf due to his inhuman transgressions, and discuss how the Great European Werewolf Panic, which lasted for over 300 years, changed folk belief about the links between Black Magic and werewolves forever.It's a grand and sweeping story, and goes to explain a few things about why werewolves are pretty much always scary, why Wargs matter so much, and how modern cinema-goers are maybe a bit more like Odin than they probably realise.So, pull up your Wolf Pants, leave the silver bullets at home, and let's get lupine! Aroooo!Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1. Everyday Objects and the Shocking Start of the Viking Age Eleanor Barraclough Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age The book uses everyday objects to explore the real lives of the people known as Vikings. For example, a runic message carved on wood from Norway around 1200 AD shows a woman named Gia telling her inebriated husband, who is in a tavern, to come home. Runes were spiky letters often carved into hard surfaces like wood or bone, possibly originating during the Roman Empire. The book's title is a kenning, an Old Norse poetic device in which "Embers of the Hands" originally meant gold but here refers to precious, personal objects. The Viking Age is generally dated from 750 to 1100 AD, with a defining start marked by the shocking raid on the wealthy monastery at Lindisfarne in 793 AD.
2. From Raiders to Rulers: The Danelaw and the Eastern Expansion of the Norse Eleanor Barraclough Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age The discussion highlights the transformation of Vikings from raiders—who famously plundered Paris for 7,000 pounds of gold—to military conquerors. The Great Heathen Army arrived in England around 865, conquering East Anglia, Northumbria, and Mercia. The subsequent stalemate led to an agreement between King Alfred and the Norse leader Guthrum toward the end of the ninth century. This accord established the Danelaw, granting the Norse political and legal control over vast swathes of England, evidenced today by Old Norse influences in place names. The Norse cultural sphere was enormous, characterized by a diaspora that spread east and west. People from what is now Sweden moved down Eurasian waterways, becoming known as the Varangians, or Russ (rowers), and settled Novgorod in 862.
CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor AUTHOR NAME: Eleanor Barraclough BOOK TITLE: Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age GUEST NAME: Eleanor Barraclough 100 WORD SUMMARY: The segment introduces Eleanor Barraclough'Es book, Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age, which draws history from everyday objects. The title's source, "embers of the hands," is an Old Norse kenning for gold, repurposed here to refer to precious, personal artifacts. Barraclough shares a favorite piece of evidence: a runic message from Gyða telling her inebriated husband in a Bergen tavern around 1200 AD to "go home." The discussion then addresses the traditional starting point of the Viking Age, 750 to 1100 AD. The symbolic start is the shocking 793 AD raid on Lindisfarne (Holy Island), a very rich monastery in northeast England, which generated fear across Europe.
This segment focuses on Vikings as conquerors, noting successful raids like the one on Paris, which yielded 7,000 pounds of gold. Around 865 AD, the Great Heathen Army arrived in England, conquering East Anglia, Northumbria, and Mercia. The resulting stalemate with King Alfred led to the establishment of the Danelaw around 878–880 AD, giving Norse people political and legal control over a vast area of England. Norse settlement is evidenced by Old Norse influences in place names within the Danelaw. Barraclough also discusses the eastern expansion of the Vikings—the Rus (rowers), originating from modern Sweden, who moved down the Volga and Dnieper rivers, establishing settlements like Novgorod in 862 AD.
Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Unveiling Oslo's Hidden Viking Legacy: A Bunker Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-09-12-22-34-02-no Story Transcript:No: Sindre satt ved det gamle radioapparatet, øynene fulle av forventning.En: Sindre sat by the old radio set, his eyes full of anticipation.No: Han var alene i en bunker under Oslos gater.En: He was alone in a bunker beneath Oslo's streets.No: Lufta var kald, og rommet luktet fuktig jord og gammelt metall.En: The air was cold, and the room smelled of damp earth and old metal.No: Det var tidlig høst, og lyset utenfor forsvant raskt.En: It was early autumn, and the light outside disappeared quickly.No: Plutselig kom det til liv en skurrende lyd fra radioen.En: Suddenly, a crackling sound came to life from the radio.No: "Astrid, hør på dette!" ropte han og slo raskt nummeret hennes.En: "Astrid, listen to this!" he shouted and quickly dialed her number.No: "Jeg tror jeg har funnet noe viktig."En: "I think I've found something important."No: Astrid, Sindre sin trofaste venn, var skeptisk men nysgjerrig.En: Astrid, Sindre's faithful friend, was skeptical but curious.No: Hun dukket opp med en lommelykt og en notatblokk.En: She showed up with a flashlight and a notepad.No: "Er du sikker på at dette ikke bare er støy igjen, Sindre?" spurte hun mens hun speidet rundt i det dunkle rommet.En: "Are you sure this isn't just noise again, Sindre?" she asked as she peered around the dim room.No: "Nei, denne gangen er det annerledes," insisterte Sindre.En: "No, this time it's different," insisted Sindre.No: Han justerte frekvensen forsiktig, og en mystisk stemme mumlet ord på gammelnorsk.En: He carefully adjusted the frequency, and a mysterious voice muttered words in Old Norse.No: De noterte alt nøye.En: They noted everything down carefully.No: Samme kveld inviterte de Kari, en lokal historiker, til bunkeren.En: That same evening, they invited Kari, a local historian, to the bunker.No: Hun var litt motvillig til å begynne med, men Sindre var overbevisende.En: She was a bit reluctant at first, but Sindre was convincing.No: "Vi tror det er en skatt her, kanskje knyttet til gamle myter," fortalte han Kari.En: "We think there's a treasure here, maybe linked to old myths," he told Kari.No: Kari satte seg ved bordet og begynte å tolke ordene fra radioen.En: Kari sat down at the table and began to interpret the words from the radio.No: "Dette kan være en referanse til en gammel legende," sa hun sakte.En: "This could be a reference to an old legend," she said slowly.No: "Skatten er kanskje ekte."En: "The treasure might be real."No: Bunkeren var et farlig sted, med sprukne vegger og tak som dryppet av fuktighet.En: The bunker was a dangerous place, with cracked walls and a ceiling dripping with moisture.No: Likevel, de tre var fast bestemt.En: Nevertheless, the three were determined.No: De fant hver sin hjelm med lommelykter og begynte å lete etter ledetråder.En: They each found a helmet with flashlights and began searching for clues.No: Stemningen var spent; de måtte være varsomme med skritt.En: The mood was tense; they had to be careful with their steps.No: De fant til slutt en inskripsjon i veggen.En: They finally found an inscription on the wall.No: Astrid bøyde seg nærmere og stirret.En: Astrid leaned closer and stared.No: "Det ser ut som et kart," ropte hun.En: "It looks like a map," she shouted.No: Kartet ledet dem lenger inn i bunkeren, der vibrasjonene fra den gamle radioen ble sterkere.En: The map led them further into the bunker, where the vibrations from the old radio grew stronger.No: Men så skjedde det som Astrid fryktet.En: But then what Astrid feared happened.No: Gulvet begynte å skjelve.En: The floor began to shake.No: "Vi må skynde oss!" ropte Kari.En: "We have to hurry!" shouted Kari.No: I en siste felles innsats fulgte de kartet og fant en skjult dør.En: In one last collective effort, they followed the map and found a hidden door.No: Bak døra lå ikke rikdom man kunne kjøpe ting for, men en samling av gjenstander fra en svunnen tid.En: Behind the door lay not riches one could buy things with but a collection of items from a bygone era.No: Skjold, sverd og keramikk fra vikingtid lå glemt i dette forlatte rommet.En: Shields, swords, and ceramics from the Viking Age lay forgotten in this abandoned room.No: "Det er en historisk skatt," sa Kari med øyne store av opphisselse.En: "It's a historic treasure," said Kari with eyes wide with excitement.No: Sindre så seg rundt, og smilet hans ble bredere.En: Sindre looked around, and his smile grew wider.No: "Det er verdt mye mer enn gull," innså han.En: "It's worth much more than gold," he realized.No: Dette funnet kunne forandre forståelsen av byens historie.En: This discovery could change the understanding of the city's history.No: De klatret forsiktig tilbake mot trygghet, lettet og glade.En: They carefully climbed back toward safety, relieved and happy.No: Sindre så på Astrid og Kari.En: Sindre looked at Astrid and Kari.No: "Jeg hadde aldri klart dette alene," sa han ydmykt.En: "I could never have done this alone," he said humbly.No: "Takk for at dere stolte på meg."En: "Thank you for trusting me."No: Utenfor blafret høstens løv, og Oslo badet i det myke, gyldne lyset fra kveldssolen.En: Outside, autumn leaves fluttered, and Oslo bathed in the soft, golden light of the evening sun.No: Tre venner, med en nyfunnet respekt for både hverandre og deres felles historie.En: Three friends, with a newfound respect for both each other and their shared history.No: Verden forestilte seg ikke lenger som en ensom reise.En: The world no longer imagined itself as a lonely journey.No: Han skjønte at samarbeid var gull verdt.En: He realized that collaboration was worth its weight in gold. Vocabulary Words:anticipation: forventningbunker: bunkerdamp: fuktigcrackling: skurrendeskeptical: skeptiskcurious: nysgjerrigdim: dunkelfrequency: frekvensmuttered: mumletlegend: legendemoisture: fuktighettense: spentinscription: innskriftvibrations: vibrasjonershaking: skjelveeffort: innsatshidden: skjultbygone: svunnenceramics: keramikkforgotten: glemtexcited: opphisselsehumble: ydmyktlight: lysfluttered: blafretunderstanding: forståelserelieved: lettetrespect: respektcollaboration: samarbeidriches: rikdomtreasure: skatt
Anthony Vahni Capildeo was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and lives in the UK. One finds a sacred wonder and delight in language in every poem in each of their nine collections and eight chapbooks. Capildeo studied Old Norse and translation while earning their DPhil at Oxford University. The recipient of many awards including Forward Prize for Best Collection for Measures of Expatriation (2016) and the Judith E. Wilson Poetry Fellowship (2014), Capildeo is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. They are currently a professor and writer-in-residence at the University of York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Anthony Vahni Capildeo was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and lives in the UK. One finds a sacred wonder and delight in language in every poem in each of their nine collections and eight chapbooks. Capildeo studied Old Norse and translation while earning their DPhil at Oxford University. The recipient of many awards including Forward Prize for Best Collection for Measures of Expatriation (2016) and the Judith E. Wilson Poetry Fellowship (2014), Capildeo is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. They are currently a professor and writer-in-residence at the University of York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 12, 2025 is: ramshackle RAM-shak-ul adjective Ramshackle describes things that are in a very bad condition and need to be repaired, or that are carelessly or loosely constructed. // Toward the back of the property stood a ramshackle old shed. // The book had a ramshackle plot that was confusing and unbelievable. See the entry > Examples: "House of the Weedy Seadragon ... and Semaphore Shack sit side-by-side in the sand dunes. They're part of a cosy cluster of ramshackle residences, built in the 1930s by a Hobart family as weekenders for the extended tribe to fish, swim and while away sun-soaked days." — The Gold Coast (Australia) Bulletin, 4 July 2025 Did you know? Ramshackle has nothing to do with rams, nor the act of being rammed, nor shackles. The word is an alteration of ransackled, an obsolete form of the verb ransack, meaning "to search through or plunder." (Ransack comes from Old Norse rannsaka, which combines rann, "house," and -saka, a relation of the Old English word sēcan, "to seek.") A home that has been ransacked has had its contents thrown into disarray, and that image may be what inspired people to start using ramshackle in the first half of the 19th century to describe something that is poorly constructed or in a state of near collapse. Ramshackle in modern use can also be figurative, as in "a ramshackle excuse for the error."
Imelda Almqvist is an international teacher of Sacred Art and Seiðr/Old Norse Traditions (the ancestral wisdom teachings of Northern Europe). She has her own Forest School in Sweden, in a remote place where the Forest Meets the Sea and where wolves (sometimes) howl at night. Imelda appears in a TV program, titled Ice Age Shaman, made for the Smithsonian Museum, in the series Mystic Britain, talking about Mesolithic arctic deer shamanism. She has also presented her work on Sounds True and The Shift Network. Her five non-fiction books include:
Jackson Crawford is a linguist, translator, and educator known for his clear and accessible approach to Old Norse. In this episode, we talk about what Old Norse actually sounded like — and how we even know that. We also explore how far we can trace our shared linguistic roots, and how Jackson left academia to bring Old Norse to a wider audience through YouTube.Jackson's work has reached millions through his YouTube channel and new translations of the Poetic Edda and The Saga of the Volsungs.Subscribe to stay updated! Also available on all platforms where podcasts are found, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and more. Find all the links in our linktree: https://linktr.ee/grimfrost
According to the Vinland Sagas of the early 13th century, Erik the Red was a violent and murderous outlaw. But he was also an explorer, a powerful leader and the father of a famous dynasty. Historian and Old Norse expert Eleanor Barraclough charts his fascinating life and legacy, in conversation with James Osborne. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dr. Tom Morcom, an associate lecturer in Old Norse Language and Literature at University College London, joins Lexie to discuss his journey into academia, emphasizing his fascination with the depth and richness of Old Norse saga literature and narrative theory, the uniqueness of medieval Icelandic society, how Old Norse literature compares to classical works, and modern reception of Norse culture in popular media. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week's exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded January 10, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Morcom: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/97142-tom-morcomFollow him on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tommorcom.bsky.socialCheck out his publications on Academia: https://uio.academia.edu/TomMorcomSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Composting tyranny into nutrient for democracy How shall we craft the redemptive Act V – from our current Act IV of cruel carnage ransacking (from Old Norse = “to pillage”) Community? Caroline welcomes Henry Giroux, deeply dedicated cultural critic, translator of complex liberating pedagogy into accessible vernacular….always the micro to the macro…. and ladling out of the cauldron redemptive strategy and vision to navigate through this dangerous crack-pot tyranny time… education essential to good citizenship- essential to democracy Prodigious contributor- authored or co-authored over 65 books, articles, lectures”No one is better than Henry Giroux at analyzing the truly dangerous threats to our society. He punctures our delusions and offers us a compelling and enlightened vision of a better way.” — Bob Herbert “Henry Giroux is one of the singular intellects in contemporary life, a sane, compassionate, and fierce voice against the society of domination, inequality and the madness of ruthless Imperialist conquest.” — John Steppling, Playwright, screenwriter, and essayist https://www.henryagiroux.com/ The post The Visionary Activist Show – Composting tyranny into nutrient for democracy appeared first on KPFA.
Much is often made of London's lost rivers, like the Tyburn, Fleet, and Walbrook. Yet Newcastle upon Tyne also has rivers we cannot see. Ours are not lost, rather they're simply buried. The Skinnerburn, Erick Burn, Pandon Burn, Lam Burn, and Lort Burn all continue to flow beneath the city, down to the mighty Tyne. The Lort Burn is perhaps the most well-known of the buried rivers. Originally called the Dene Burn, it gained its new name of Lort Burn in the later 14th century. Some sources say 'Lort' comes from an Old Norse word meaning 'filth' or 'excrement'. The Story of the Tyne: And the Hidden Rivers of Newcastle gives the rough route of the Lort Burn. I've followed it as best I can given the current street layout, picking up the ghost stories and legends that lie along its route. Let's go and explore them in this week's episode of Fabulous Folklore! Find the images and references on the blog post: https://www.icysedgwick.com/lort-burn-route/ Get your free guide to home protection the folklore way here: https://www.icysedgwick.com/fab-folklore/ Become a member of the Fabulous Folklore Family for bonus episodes and articles at https://patreon.com/bePatron?u=2380595 Buy Icy a coffee or sign up for bonus episodes at: https://ko-fi.com/icysedgwick Fabulous Folklore Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/fabulous_folklore Pre-recorded illustrated talks: https://ko-fi.com/icysedgwick/shop Request an episode: https://forms.gle/gqG7xQNLfbMg1mDv7 Get extra snippets of folklore on Instagram at https://instagram.com/icysedgwick Find Icy on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/icysedgwick.bsky.social 'Like' Fabulous Folklore on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabulousfolklore/
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 30, 2025 is: gust GUST noun Gust refers to a sudden strong wind. It is also used figuratively for a sudden outburst of something, such as a feeling. // Today's weather will be windy, with gusts of up to 40 miles per hour. See the entry > Examples: “This subversive comedy is now a posh panto, directed by Max Webster. It gets gusts of laughter but can feel rather forced, and the joyous language is left to fend for itself.” — Robert Gore-Langton, The Mail on Sunday (London), 8 Dec. 2024 Did you know? You're no doubt familiar with the breezy gust meaning “a brief burst of wind.” But about a century and a half before that word first appeared in print in the late 16th century, a different gust blew onto the scene. The windy gust likely comes from a synonymous Old Norse word, gustr, whereas the older gust, which refers to the sensation of taste as well as to a feeling of enthusiastic delight, comes ultimately from gustus, the Latin word for “taste.” English speakers eventually mostly dropped that older gust, replacing it in the early 17th century with a similar gustus word borrowed from Italian: gusto is now the go-to word when you want to refer to enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation. You can use it with gusto.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 21, 2025 is: hapless HAP-lus adjective Hapless means "having no luck." It's a synonym of unfortunate. // The documentary follows a hapless victim of false allegations. See the entry > Examples: "The New York Yankees had a nice, feel-good return to their spring training home this weekend by beating up on the hapless Tampa Bay Rays." — Kristie Ackert, Athlon Sports, 19 Apr. 2025 Did you know? Hapless means exactly what you'd expect it to mean: "without hap"—hap being another word for fortune or luck. Hap comes from the Old Norse word for "good luck," which is also the source of happen and happy. English has several words to describe those lacking good fortune, including ill-starred, ill-fated, unlucky, and luckless, a word formed in parallel to hapless by adding the suffix -less. Ill-starred suggests bringing calamity or the threat of a terrible fate ("the ill-starred year the Great Depression began"). Ill-fated refers only to being doomed ("the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic"). Unlucky and luckless usually apply to a person or thing notably or chronically unfortunate ("an unlucky slots player," "some luckless investors swindled in the deal"). Hapless is often imbued with a touch of pity, humor, or both for those to whom it refers, as in "a hapless goalie who couldn't block a shot to save his life."
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 3, 2025 is: sleuth SLOOTH verb To sleuth is to carefully or methodically search for information, or to act as a detective. // We spent hours at the flea market sleuthing for 19th century paintings. See the entry > Examples: "To fill the market with vintage treasure, we called upon some of the industry's best dressed—Anok Yai, Emma Chamberlain, Hamish Bowles, Julia Sarr-Jamois, Kaia Gerber, Paloma Elsesser, Tabitha Simmons, Tonne Goodman, and Gigi Hadid—to sleuth through eBay and curate their must-haves." — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 6 March 2025 Did you know? "They were the footprints of a gigantic hound!" Those canine tracks in Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles set the great Sherlock Holmes sleuthing on the trail of a murderer. It was a case of art imitating etymology. When Middle English speakers first borrowed sleuth from the Old Norse word slōth, the term referred to the track of an animal or person. In Scotland, sleuth hund referred to a kind of bloodhound used to hunt game or track down fugitives from justice. In 19th-century U.S. English, sleuthhound, soon shortened to sleuth, began to be used for a detective. From there, sleuth slipped into verb use to apply to what a sleuth does.
Just had a dream about wolves. So I thought I'd do a podcast on wolves. In this episode, we explore "wolf energy" through books, legends, and Wheels of Time, the hit Amazon fantasy series.We'll also cover former NBA coach Phil Jackson, his wolf pack quote, Rudyard Kipling, and the Old Norse word for wolf.Carl Jung and Robert Bly also make an appearance.I finish with two books that I want to read Beowulf and Prose Edda.Embrace your wolf energy.
Old Norse translations of Old French romances played a critical role in introducing ideas of courtliness and chivalry and cultivating a shared European literary culture in thirteenth-century Norway. In this episode, scholar of Old Norse studies Mary Catherine O'Connor examines the reasons for translation, how these translations were produced, and a case study of one translated work to consider the role of cultural encounter as it is revealed through translation and literary transformation.For more information, visit www.multiculturalmiddleages.com.
Join The Man of the West for an in-depth look at two pieces of alliterative verse cried out by a restored King Théoden… just ignore the butchering of Old English and Old Norse, please. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hi beloved, how are you doing? Can we talk about ANGER? Take a deep breath, focus in and lets explore the interconnection of the MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT'S perspective.I used to think anger was something to avoid, a messy emotion I had to shove down. But I've come to see it differently—it's a life force, a signal flaring up when my boundaries or needs get trampled. It's not the enemy; it's trying to tell me something matters.Honoring Your Anger's Brutal TruthI think by sharing two words and their etymology - you'll get the point of this sweet little drop here today. ✌
The Man of the West bids farewell to The Nerd of the Rings, as they welcome everyone's favorite ancient and military historian back to the PPP: Dr. Bret Devereaux, author of A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry returns to answer an absurd number of questions that Alan and Matt have come up with from their last ten episodes. We get our 40k references out of the way early, discover Bret doesn't read Old Norse, get an expert explanation of weregild, and have our eyes opened to Helm Hammerhand's missteps. We also discuss peace through Black Death, wonder what the Quenya would be for “It's all yours, buddy”, and lament the fact that the tales, they are so unfinished. Also, the emperor's name is spelled Pupienus, just to be clear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For this week's Bonus Episode, we're wandering wild places to explore the history and folklore of Trolls, which, though they sound pretty ancient, are a surprisingly modern folkloric creation!We start off chatting about the modern perception of Trolls, including the quite sinister online iteration we all know as the "Internet Troll" and the mass-produced toys, invented in the 1950s, now an animated film franchise more associated with pop music than pagan fiendishness. Then though, we wind back the clock, discussing how Trolls first appear on record, in scant scraps of Old Norse, and start to discover a problem: that Trolls were not 'one thing' but actually a whole class of kinds of things, the word used interchangeable with several others, with associations ranging from incest to kidnapping to the moving of mountains. Thankfully, as we track across time, we explain how and why Trolls came into clearer focus, particularly as a counterpoint to Christian Scandinavians. From the formation of nations such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden through to the Enlightenment era, during which Trolls almost become a kind a ghost, through to the 19th and 20th centuries, it emerges that Trolls have become a symbols capable of representing very different ideas over time.So, is a Troll the same thing as a werewolf? At some points, yes! How about a form of Giant? Absolutely, but not always. With answers to these questions and many others, including the links between Trolls and street walkers, their associations with barrow tombs, and the reasons why they're so scared of church bells, it's a stranger episode of the Three Ravens Bestiary than most.Nonetheless, we hope you really enjoy it, and as the spring sun starts to shine, know that you're safe from Troll-kind so long as you stay well out of dark and savage places...The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We welcome back onto The Folklore Podcast musician and composer Einar Selvik, founder of the band Wardruna and expert in Old Norse music and culture. Einar discusses his beliefs and connections with nature, the way he goes about composing his music through the use of old Norse runes, and his latest work Birna, named for the old Norse she-bear.To support The Folklore Podcast, please consider making a small donation via our website, or visit https://www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast where you can find exclusive bonus content.
In this cozy and heartwarming episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra introduce us to the Danish concept of hygge. As the winter months stretch ahead, they explore how embracing hygge can transform cold, dark days into moments of warmth, comfort, and connection. From lighting candles and layering cozy blankets to gathering with loved ones and enjoying slow, mindful meals, the hosts uncover how this beautiful tradition can help us cultivate happiness even in the chilliest season. What is Hygge?Hygge is the Danish art of creating warmth, comfort, and connection in everyday life. It's about slowing down, being present, and embracing life's simple joys. With its roots in Old Norse, the word hygge translates to “comfort” or “to console,” making it the perfect antidote to winter blues. The Ten Principles of Hygge: Atmosphere – Soft lighting, candles, and cozy surroundings. Presence – Disconnect from distractions and be in the moment. Pleasure – Savor warm drinks, comforting foods, and life's little treats. Equality – Everyone contributes and shares in the moment. Gratitude – Appreciate the small joys. Harmony – No competition, just togetherness. Comfort – Soft blankets, warm clothes, and cozy corners. Truce – Leave drama at the door. Togetherness – Enjoy deep connections with loved ones. Shelter – Create a sanctuary from the cold. Why Does Hygge Matter?Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, and many believe that hygge plays a role. Studies show that fostering cozy, nurturing environments can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and boost happiness. Lighting a candle, for example, has been shown to lower cortisol levels, while engaging in a creative hobby can release dopamine. Bringing Hygge Into Your Life: At Home – Layer soft blankets, light candles, and create a hyggekrog (a cozy nook) for relaxing. In Clothing – Opt for chunky knit sweaters, soft scarves, and warm socks. In Food – Enjoy slow-cooked meals, baked treats, and steaming cups of tea, cider, or cocoa. With Others – Keep gatherings small and meaningful, focusing on deep connection rather than large socializing. In Nature – Take a winter walk, enjoy stargazing under a blanket, or bring seasonal greenery indoors. The Hygge Manifesto: Turn Down the Lights – Use candles and soft lighting. Be Present – Put away distractions and focus on the moment. Indulge in Pleasure – Enjoy good food, warm drinks, and simple comforts. Share and Include – Embrace togetherness and make space for all. Practice Gratitude – Appreciate what's good in life. Embrace Harmony – No competition, just warmth and connection. Seek Comfort – Prioritize coziness in your surroundings. Final Thoughts:Hygge is more than just candles and sweaters—it's a mindset, a way of life that prioritizes warmth, presence, and joy. This winter, let's embrace hygge and transform the cold months into a season of comfort, connection, and simple pleasures. Resources Mentioned: The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking Online hygge shops for cozy essentials Join the Conversation:How do you bring hygge into your life? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #HyggeLife and tag us! Stay Connected: Subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring episodes Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @thewholephysician Visit our website for show notes and resources Wrap yourself in a warm blanket, grab a cup of tea, and let's hygge our way through winter together! ❄️✨
In this week's episode, Dan is re-joined with Dr Mathias Nordvig to talk about his new book and explain why he has made such a bold statement that Old Norse Mythology doesn't exist.------------------------------------------------Follow Mathias on his Instagram:@mathiasnordvigAlso, check out his website:https://mathiasnordvig.com/And his podcast, The Sacred Flame:https://thesacredflame.buzzsprout.com/Follow the Podcast on Instagram:@nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do, and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're joined by New York Times book critic and author Dwight Garner. He presents food quips from his favorite writers, as well as John Updike's lunch routine and Hunter S. Thompson's party tricks. Plus, anthropologist Manvir Singh helps us digest the world of “meat-fluencers” and their all-meat diets; A Way with Words give credit to the Old Norse words lingering in our kitchens; and we prepare a Pakistani-Style Chicken Biryani. (Originally aired January 4th, 2024.)Get this week's recipe for Pakistani-Style Chicken Biryani here.We want to hear your culinary tips! Share your cooking hacks, secret ingredients or unexpected techniques with us for a chance to hear yourself on Milk Street Radio! Here's how: https://www.177milkstreet.com/radiotipsListen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode, Dan interviews Luca Panaro to discuss the historical path of Old Norse to modern video games.------------------------------------------------Follow Luca on X (Twitter):@lucaapanaroFollow the Podcast on Instagram:@nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do, and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 10, 2024 is: brogue BROHG noun A brogue is a low shoe, usually made of leather, that is decorated with small holes along the sides at the toe, and that usually features a wing tip. // Even though his brogues are scuffed and old, Dad prefers them to his new loafers. See the entry > Examples: "Paired with a cropped white T-shirt, midi-skirt, and brogues, Gigi [Hadid] was the yin to [Taylor] Swift's yang." — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 21 June 2023 Did you know? Did you expect brogue to be defined as "an Irish accent"? We're sure you're not alone: brogue has two homographs (words that are spelled—and, in this case, pronounced—the same but have different origins or parts of speech). The brogue that refers to the shoe comes from the Irish word bróg and Scottish Gaelic bròg, and likely traces back to an Old Norse term meaning "leg covering." (That ancestor is related to an ancestor of the English word breech.) Originating in Ireland, the brogue was designed to be a worker's shoe and was made from untanned hides. The "accent" brogue comes from a different Irish word, barróg, which can refer to an accent or speech impediment and translates literally as "tight grip."
Due to Robert Eggers' new film "Nosferatu" coming out on Christmas this month, the A24 Rocks crew decided to review his 2022 Nordic epic "The Northman" for this A24 Vibe Discussion. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicole Kidman: The Northman is a take on the Old Norse tale "Amleth" that Shakespeare turned into Hamlet. What will these film reviewers think of Robert Eggers' third film after directing two of the most acclaimed A24 films in the film studio's history? Caution: movie spoilers. Intro- 0:00 to 5:01. Film Discussion- 5:01 to 57:52. Film Rating and Outro- 57:52 to End. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a24otr/support
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 20, 2024 is: snivel SNIV-ul verb To snivel is to speak or act in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly emotional manner. The word snivel may also be used to mean "to run at the nose," "to snuffle," or "to cry or whine with snuffling." // She was unmoved by the millionaires sniveling about their financial problems. // My partner sniveled into the phone, describing the frustrations of the day. See the entry > Examples: "At first, he ran a highway stop with video gambling. 'To sit and do nothing for 10 to 12 hours drove me nuts,' he [Frank Nicolette] said. That's when he found art. 'I started making little faces, and they were selling so fast, I'll put pants and shirts on these guys,' he said, referring to his hand-carved sculptures. 'Then (people) whined and sniveled and wanted bears, and so I started carving some bears.'" — Benjamin Simon, The Post & Courier (Charleston, South Carolina), 5 Oct. 2024 Did you know? There's never been anything pretty about sniveling. Snivel, which originally meant simply "to have a runny nose," has an Old English ancestor whose probable form was snyflan. Its lineage includes some other charming words of yore: an Old English word for mucus, snofl; the Middle Dutch word for a head cold, snof; the Old Norse word for snout, which is snoppa; and nan, a Greek verb meaning "to flow." Nowadays, we mostly use snivel as we have since the 1600s: when self-pitying whining is afoot, whether or not such sniveling is accompanied by unchecked nasal flow.
Israel's attacks in Lebanon escalated over the weekend, beginning with Friday's strike that shook south Beirut, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Sources say that a ground operation may be imminent. We get the latest on those developments and their implications within the region and beyond. Also, Hurricane Helene has brought massive devastation to the southeastern United States. Part of what people there are struggling with is the fallout from mudslides linked to deforestation. This is something we're seeing more and more, not just with Hurricane Helene but in flooding events worldwide. And, in Sweden, an ancient language that's a remnant of Old Norse sounds nothing like the modern Swedish language. But there's been a grassroots effort to save the language, spoken today by only an estimated 2,500 people. This week marks a milestone in that effort: the publication of the first-ever book of Elfdalian grammar written in English.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air.
My links: My patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=103280827 My Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/rhetoricrevolution Send me a voice message!: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liam-connerly TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrconnerly?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Email: rhetoricrevolution@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connerlyliam/ Podcast | Latin in Layman's - A Rhetoric Revolution https://open.spotify.com/show/0EjiYFx1K4lwfykjf5jApM?si=b871da6367d74d92 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MrConnerly Identity Identity Etymology: From Latin identitas ("sameness, oneness"). Definition: The condition of being oneself or itself, and not another. Self Etymology: Old English self, related to Old Norse sjálfur. Definition: The essential person that distinguishes an individual from others. Persona Etymology: Latin persona ("mask, character in a play"). Definition: The aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others. Individuality Etymology: From Medieval Latin individualitas. Definition: The quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind. Sense of Self Definition: The awareness of one's own identity and individuality. Loss Etymology: Old English los ("destruction, loss"). Definition: The fact or process of losing something or someone. Grief Etymology: Old French gref, from Latin gravis ("heavy, grievous"). Definition: Deep sorrow, especially caused by someone's death. Mourning Etymology: Old English murnan ("to mourn, bemoan"). Definition: The expression of deep sorrow for someone who has died. Sorrow Etymology: Old English sorg. Definition: A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others. Heartbreak Etymology: Compound of "heart" and "break". Definition: Overwhelming distress caused by a romantic disappointment or loss. Unrequited Love Etymology: From Latin unrequīrere ("not to seek in return"). Definition: Love that is not reciprocated or returned in kind. Melancholy Etymology: Greek melankholia ("black bile"). Definition: A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness typically caused by perceived loss or sorrow. Confidence Etymology: Latin confidentia ("trust, reliance, assurance"). Definition: The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust. Self-assurance Definition: Confidence in one's own abilities or judgment. Empowerment Etymology: From Middle French em-, en- + pouvoir ("to be able"). Definition: The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. Self-discovery Definition: The process of gaining insight into one's own character, feelings, and desires. Recovery Etymology: From Latin recuperare ("to get again, regain"). Definition: The action or process of regaining possession or control of something lost or taken away. Renewal Etymology: Old French renouveler, from Latin renovare ("renew"). Definition: The action of extending the period of validity of something; the process of being restored to a better condition. Resilience Etymology: From Latin resilire ("to rebound, recoil"). Definition: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Acceptance Etymology: From Latin acceptare ("to take willingly"). Definition: The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered. Healing Etymology: From Old English hǣlan ("to cure, make whole"). Definition: The process of making or becoming sound or healthy again. Transformation Etymology: From Latin transformare ("to change in shape or form"). Definition: A marked change in form, nature, or appearance.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 10, 2024 is: ungainly un-GAYN-lee adjective Ungainly usually describes someone or something moving in an awkward or clumsy way, or the awkward, clumsy movements themselves. It can also describe an object that is difficult to handle (especially because of being large or heavy), or someone or something that has an awkward appearance. // While seals are ungainly on land, they are beautifully agile swimmers. // Getting the ungainly couch up the stairs was a real chore. // The creature is large and ungainly. See the entry > Examples: "[Composer, Gioachino] Rossini, who was just 25 at the time, and his librettist Jacopo Feretti turned this 'Cinderella' into a comedy. It contains all kinds of farcical elements, including hidden identities and the wonderfully exaggerated stepsisters, who are delightfully mean, self-involved and ungainly." — Kyle MacMillan, The Chicago Sun Times, 22 Jan. 2024 Did you know? What do you have to gain by knowing the root of ungainly? Plenty. The gain in ungainly is an obsolete English adjective meaning "direct" that ultimately comes from the Old Norse preposition gegn, meaning "against." (It is unrelated to the noun in "economic gains" or the verb in "gain an advantage"; those came to English by way of Anglo-French.) Ungainly can describe someone who is clumsy, as in "a tall, ungainly man"; or something that causes you to feel clumsy when you try to handle it, as in "a car with ungainly controls"; or something that simply looks awkward and out of place, as in "an ungainly strip mall."
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 30, 2024 is: haphazard hap-HAZZ-erd adjective Something haphazard has no apparent plan, order, or direction. // Considering the haphazard way you measured the ingredients, it's a wonder the cookies came out this good. See the entry > Examples: "It felt like winter for the first time that year, and Theo remembered how much she preferred the dark, the secrecy, of the season. They walked single-file up against the haphazard stone wall, wary of cars that sped up the country lane. … An owl hooted somewhere close by and they stopped to listen, sitting on a section of broken wall." — Juno Dawson, The Shadow Cabinet, 2023 Did you know? The hap in haphazard comes from an English word that means "happening," as well as "chance or fortune." Hap, in turn, comes from the Old Norse word happ, meaning "good luck." Perhaps it's no accident that hazard also has its own connotations of chance and luck: while it now refers commonly to something that presents danger, at one time it referred to a dice game similar to craps. (The name ultimately comes from the Arabic word al-zahr, meaning "the die.") Haphazard first entered English as a noun meaning "chance" in the 16th century, and soon afterward was being used as an adjective to describe things with no apparent logic or order.
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Janina Ramirez and comedian Kae Kurd in medieval Iceland to delve into the world of old Norse literature. It's full of elves, giants, trolls, gods, deadly mistletoe and eight-legged horse babies. Anything goes in a world created from the decapitated body of a giant where a squirrel runs communications! But what was the ultimate purpose of these stories? Who wrote them? And what do they teach us about Viking culture?Produced by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Gyrfalcons are the largest falcons in the world, with a wingspan of almost four feet and weighing almost five pounds. The name “Gyrfalcon” derives from an Old Norse word for “spear.” During the summer, you'll find Gyrfalcons on the tundra, where they feed on arctic birds. But in the winter, some will fly as far south as the northern U.S.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
We're joined by New York Times book critic and author Dwight Garner. He presents food quips from his favorite writers, as well as John Updike's lunch routine and Hunter S. Thompson's party tricks. Plus, anthropologist Manvir Singh helps us digest the world of “meat-fluencers” and their all-meat diets; A Way with Words give credit to the Old Norse words lingering in our kitchens; and we prepare a Pakistani-Style Chicken Biryani.Get this week's recipe for Pakistani-Style Chicken Biryani here.We want to hear your culinary tips! Share your cooking hacks, secret ingredients or unexpected techniques with us for a chance to hear yourself on Milk Street Radio! Here's how: https://www.177milkstreet.com/radiotipsListen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My special guest is Nick Redfern who's here to discuss his new book called Werewolf Stories: Shape-Shifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts. Get it on Amazon. Beware the Full Moon! Take a hair-raising tour of werewolf legends. Meet shape-shifters, dogmen, and all variety of human and lupine mixes in this blood curling story collection from two distinguished paranormal researchers! From today's lycanthropic creatures found in pop culture such as Dracula, Twilight and An American Werewolf in London to the earliest mentions in folklore of the shape-shifting legend, Werewolf Stories: Shape-Shifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts is an eye-opening tour through the ages of all things werewolf. Along the way, readers land at the doorstep of creatures like serial killer Fritz Haarmann, tiger people and their thirst for human blood, Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, shapeshifters of all kinds and sizes, and even a spell to repel werewolves. This fascinating tome provides 140,000 years of blood-pounding evidence of strange and obsessional behavior. It tells of stories of becoming a werewolf and the intricacies of slaying the beast. A true homage to the creature, it includes full moon of topics such as … Fenrir, the wolf child of the giantess Angrboda and the god Loki, from the Old Norse myth of RagnarokNotorious serial killers, including Peter Stumpp and Michael Lupo, who thought themselves to be—and modeled their crimes on—werewolvesCoyote people, tricksters, and were-animals of Navajo legendThe Basque butchers of Louisiana and the loup-garouDiana, the goddess of the wilderness and the hunt, and her pack of hunting dogs, who once ruled all the dark forests of EuropeLeopard creature-men and the deadly cult whose members expressed their were-leopard lust for human blood and flesh that has been in existence in West Africa for several hundred yearsThe “werewolf of the Dordogne,” Francis Leroy, and his uncontrollable bloodlust during the full moonThe secret terrorist group Organization Werewolf, established in 1923, and its possible allegiance to Adolf HitlerGhouls from Arabic folklore, the demonic Djinns that hover near burial grounds and sustain themselves on human flesh stolen from gravesTasmania's thylacine and sightings of the “probably extinct” creature and its remarkable—and frightening—jaw capacityAlaska's Kushtaka and other stories of the Bigfoot man-beastPuerto Rico's chupacabra and its powerful goat-like legs, three-clawed feet, and penchant for sucking bloodThe Doñas de Fuera of Sicily, small fairies who looked human, aside from their paw-like feet, and were cruel and dangerous when crossedEnkidu, perhaps our earliest written record of a man-beast that appears on a Babylonian fragment circa 2000 BCE and tells the story of King Gilgamesh and his werewolf-like friend in The Epic of GilgameshAnd many more stories and histories of werewolves, night-stalkers, lycanthropes, and man-beastsNoted cryptozoologists and paranormal researchers Nick Redfern and Brad Steiger share personal stories and encounters with werewolves in Werewolf Stories. They take a deep dive into the legends, the history, the pop-culture take on the man-beast. It's a wild and weird road-trip into the mystery-filled domain of the disturbingly real world of shape-shifters and werewolves! It's super easy to access our archives! Here's how: iPhone Users:Access Mysterious Radio from Apple Podcasts and become a subscriber there or if you want access to even more exclusive content join us on Patreon. Android Users:Enjoy over 800 exclusive member-only posts to include ad-free episodes, case files and more when you join us on Patreon. Copy and Paste our link in a text message to all your family members and friends! We'll love you forever! (Check out Mysterious Radio!)