Podcasts about Viking Age

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags interview Matthias Toplak to talk about the history of our furry friends in Viking society.------------------------------------------------Check out Matthias's blog:https://wikinger-toplak.deFollow 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.

Today's episode is in response to a question from a listener. Peter asked me who was the first non-native woman to reach the Americas? Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir was an Icelandic settler, transatlantic traveler, mother, pilgrim, and possibly the most well-traveled woman of the Viking Age. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures. This show survives on the on the support of listeners like you. Support the show on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon page⁠⁠ (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=83998235) for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and polls. Or make a one-time donation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Me a Coffee⁠. Your support helps me keep bring the stories of past women into the present. Join ⁠⁠Into History⁠⁠ for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content. Visit ⁠⁠Evergreen Podcasts⁠⁠ to listen to more great shows. Follow me on ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠ as Her Half of History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Dan sits down with Sif Brookes as she explains her research into the mythology and misconceptions about the Valkyries.------------------------------------------------Follow Sif on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ladyvalsifAlso, check out their new book:https://www.amazon.com/Valkyrjur-Servant-Master-Sif-Brookes/dp/1959350595Follow 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.

Wir springen ins 11. Jahrhundert, und sprechen über ein Schwert. Ein Schwert, das nach hunderten Jahren aus dem Fluss Witham in England gefischt wurde, über das wir aber eigentlich sehr wenig wissen. Wir versuchen sein mögliches Leben nachzuzeichnen, und sprechen dabei über Stahl aus Afghanistan, Schwertschmieden im Rheinland und die Bedeutung, die ein Schwert ganz abseits vom Schlachtfeld hatte. //Erwähnte Folgen - GAG158: Al-Biruni und die erste Globalgeschichte – https://gadg.fm/158 - GAG191: Aethelfled - Warrior Queen of Mercia – https://gadg.fm/191 - GAG414: Ibn Fadlān und die Reise zur Wolga – https://gadg.fm/414 - GAG519: Die Warägergarde – https://gadg.fm/519 Literatur - Androshchuk, Fedir. Viking Swords: Swords and Social Aspects of Weaponry in Viking Age Societies. Stockholm: Statens historiska museer, 2014. - Brunning, Sue. The Sword in Early Medieval Northern Europe: Experience, Identity, Representation. Boydell Press, 2019. - Davidson, Hilda R. Ellis. The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England: Its Archaeology and Literature. Woodbridge: Boydell Press, 1962/1994. - DeVries, Kelly. The Norwegian Invasion of England in 1066. Boydell & Brewer Ltd, 1999. - Halsall, Guy. Warfare and Society in the Barbarian West, 450-900. London: Routledge, 2003. - Jones, Robert W. A Cultural History of the Medieval Sword: Power, Piety and Play. Woodbridge: Boydell Press, 2023. - Maryon, Herbert. "A Sword of the Viking Period from the River Witham." The Antiquaries Journal 30, no. 3-4 (1950): 175-179. - Moilanen, Mikko. Marks of Fire, Value and Faith: Swords with Ferrous Inlays in Finland during the Late Iron Age (ca. 700-1200 AD). Turku: Suomen keskiajan arkeologian seura, 2016. - Morris, Marc. The Norman Conquest: The Battle of Hastings and the Fall of Anglo-Saxon England. London: Hutchinson, 2012. - Oakeshott, Ewart. Records of the Medieval Sword. Boydell Press, 2006. - Raffield, Ben. "'A River of Knives and Swords': Ritually Deposited Weapons in English Watercourses and Wetlands during the Viking Age." European Journal of Archaeology 17, no. 4 (2014): 630-655. - Williams, Alan. The Sword and the Crucible: A History of the Metallurgy of European Swords up to the 16th Century. Leiden: Brill, 2012. - British Museum: "Sword with inscription +LEUTLRIT". Inventarnummer 1848,1021.1. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1848-1021-1 Das Folgenbild zeigt ein Ulfberhtschwert. //Aus unserer Werbung Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte: https://linktr.ee/GeschichtenausderGeschichte //Geschichten aus der Geschichte jetzt auch als Brettspiel! Werkelt mit uns am Flickerlteppich! Gibt es dort, wo es auch Becher, T-Shirts oder Hoodies zu kaufen gibt: https://geschichte.shop // Wir sind jetzt auch bei CampfireFM! Wer direkt in Folgen kommentieren will, Zusatzmaterial und Blicke hinter die Kulissen sehen will: einfach die App installieren und unserer Community beitreten: https://www.joincampfire.fm/podcasts/22 //Wir haben auch ein Buch geschrieben: Wer es erwerben will, es ist überall im Handel, aber auch direkt über den Verlag zu erwerben: https://www.piper.de/buecher/geschichten-aus-der-geschichte-isbn-978-3-492-06363-0 Wer unsere Folgen lieber ohne Werbung anhören will, kann das über eine kleine Unterstützung auf Steady oder ein Abo des GeschichteFM-Plus Kanals auf Apple Podcasts tun. Wir freuen uns, wenn ihr den Podcast bei Apple Podcasts oder wo auch immer dies möglich ist rezensiert oder bewertet. Wir freuen uns auch immer, wenn ihr euren Freundinnen und Freunden, Kolleginnen und Kollegen oder sogar Nachbarinnen und Nachbarn von uns erzählt! Du möchtest Werbung in diesem Podcast schalten? Dann erfahre hier mehr über die Werbemöglichkeiten bei Seven.One Audio: https://www.seven.one/portfolio/sevenone-audio

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags welcome Sværia to the podcast to talk about her creative journey from making designer clothes for rockstars to designing masterful costumes for TV.------------------------------------------------Follow Sværia on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/svaeriaFollow 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.

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.

The Assassin's Creed games specialise in recreating the places and sounds of the past. But how can we know what music our ancestors listened to? If we can, how well does ancient music work within a modern audience's expectations of what music is? And how does making music for a video game differ from all the other forms of entertainment we have today?Dr Holly Nielsen is joined by Steph Economou, the composer for the Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The Siege of Paris and Dawn of Ragnarok, for which she won the first ever Grammy award for video game music. Rounding out the trio is Ari Mason, who performed on both scores, and who is a specialist in the art of historical performance. Together, they can shed light on the fascinating process of transporting us to the past through music.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch these interviews and exclusive videos on our YouTube channel.Hosted by: Dr Holly NielsenEdited by: Robin McConnellProduced by: Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Francia by Steph EconomouHásæti by Steph EconomouThe Siege Of Paris by Steph EconomouDawn of Ragnarök by Steph Economou, Einar SelvikIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with archaeologist Cecilia Ljung from Uppsala University to explore one of the biggest transformations of the Viking Age: the shift from Norse pagan traditions to Christianity.Through graves, runestones, and early towns, we follow the physical evidence of how belief, ritual, and daily life changed across Scandinavia.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

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.

A wind whips across the North Sea as dragon-headed ships cut through the waves towards Anglo-Saxon England. Their arrival marks the start of the Viking Age.In this episode of Gone Medieval, Dr Eleanor Janega is joined by Terri Barnes and C.J. Adrien of the Vikingology podcast to explore why Vikings left their Scandinavian homelands. From climate change and political upheaval to innovations in shipbuilding, they examine the forces that set these raiders and explorers on a path that would reshape medieval Europe.MOREThe Viking Age: What New Discoveries RevealListen on AppleListen on SpotifyViking Warrior WomenListen on AppleListen on SpotifyGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. Audio editor is Amy Haddow, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags sit down with Clare Downham to dissect the descendants of Ivar the Boneless and the Viking kings of England and Ireland that followed in his lineage.------------------------------------------------Follow Clare on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/downham.bsky.socialCheck out her new book:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Ireland-Cambridge-Textbooks/dp/1107031311And her other publications:https://hcommons.org/members/claredownham/Follow 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.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags are joined by Ed Gamester (Filling in for Mathias) to shoot the breeze and talk everything from old Norse, theater and wrestling.------------------------------------------------Check out Ed's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thustheguildFollow 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.

Researchers Find that Viking Age Dentistry Was Probably More Sophisticated than Previously ThoughtBy Today's RDH ResearchOriginal article published on Today's RDH: https://www.todaysrdh.com/researchers-find-that-viking-age-dentistry-was-probably-more-sophisticated-than-previously-thought/Need CE? Start earning CE credits today at ⁠https://rdh.tv/ce⁠ Get daily dental hygiene articles at ⁠https://www.todaysrdh.com⁠ Follow Today's RDH on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TodaysRDH/⁠Follow Kara RDH on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/DentalHygieneKaraRDH/⁠Follow Kara RDH on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kara_rdh/⁠

The history of the Vikings is usually told from the top down, through powerful characters such as chiefs, commanders and royalty, with raids, looting and war at the centre of the narrative. But what about all the others? What was it like to live a normal life as farmer, a merchant, wife or child?This is the central question in a recent book by British Eleanor Barraclough, Embers of the Hands. Taking her starting point from archaeological finds in order to tell the story of ordinary people's lives in the Viking Age, she reveals how, beneath the surface, we find stories equally dramatic to the great heroic tales of those on the top.On stage, she will be joined by her Norwegian colleague Tore Skeie. With books such as his award winning The Wolf Age: The Vikings, the Anglo-Saxons, and the battle for the North Sea Empire, Skeie depicts a both vivid and brutal Viking Age rife with decisive events. Skeie's approach to history is mainly through the upper class, such as through Saint Olaf or the nobleman Alv Erlingsson.Skeie and Barraclough write the history of the Viking Age from two different perspectives; from the bottom up and from the top down. What can these two ways of reading history learn from each other?The conversation was moderated by Carline Tromp, writer, critic and old norse philologist.The event was part of the Festival of Non-Fiction 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags interview to discuss how memory and oral tradition can influence our interpretations of written sources Gísli Sigurðsson.------------------------------------------------Check out Gísli on Academia:https://arnastofnun.academia.edu/G%C3%ADsliSigur%C3%B0ssonFollow 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.

RUNES, TAVERN MESSAGES, AND HIDDEN HISTORIES Colleague Eleanor Barraclough. John Batchelorinterviews Eleanor Barraclough about her book, Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age. They discuss a specific runic inscription from roughly 1200 AD found on a piece of wood in a tavern in Bergen, Norway. The message is from a woman named Gyda telling her husband to come home, to which he seemingly carved a nonsensical, drunken response. Barraclough explains her methodology of using such everyday objects—"embers of the hands"—to reveal the personal lives of individuals often lost in the grand scope of history. The segment also establishes the 793 AD raid on Lindisfarne as the traditional, shocking start of the Viking Age. NUMBER 1

Among the many cool characters from the Viking Age that are brought to life in Assassin's Creed Valhalla is Alfred the Great. Before his military success against the vikings, Alfred also boasts one of the all-time great comeback stories. In January 878 all looked lost: Alfred was hiding in marshlands, his army defeated and scattered, and the Vikings controlled his kingdom. The key event that almost saw the end of Anglo-Saxon England was the Battle of Chippenham.Assassin's Creed Valhalla recreates the battle and puts players in the heart of combat. But what do we really know about the battle? How big was a viking army? What did the Anglo-Saxons count as a 'real' battle?To help answer these questions, Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Ryan Lavelle from the University of Winchester. In addition to writing Alfred's Wars: Sources and Interpretations of Anglo-Saxon Warfare in the Viking Age, he consulted on Assassin's Creed Valhalla.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch these interviews and exclusive videos on our YouTube channel.Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Michael McDaidProduced by: Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Leofirth's Honor by Jesper KydFrozen Lands by Sarah SchachnerKingdom of Wessex by Jesper KydIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags are once again joined by burial experts Emma Thompson and Brad Marshall to examine some of the more unusual burials, from well afterlife portals to bone pillows.------------------------------------------------Follow Emma on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/archaemmaFollow Brad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/archaeobrad14Follow 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.

In this episode, we explore one of the most extraordinary eyewitness accounts of the Viking Age, written by the 10th-century Arab traveler Ibn Fadlan. Best known today through the movie "The 13th Warrior", Ibn Fadlan was a real historical figure who encountered Viking merchants along the Volga River in 922 AD.Together with our guest, we break down what Ibn Fadlan actually saw, what he was told, and where later interpretations may have gone too far. We examine the infamous ship cremation funeral, the role of the so-called “Angel of Death,” the question of human sacrifice, and how much of this account reflects Viking-Age Scandinavia versus the culture shaped by trade, migration, and local traditions among the Rus and other Scandinavians encountered in the east.We also discuss how Arabic and Persian sources differ from European ones, why these texts have been underused in Viking studies, and what they reveal about violence, belief, and identity in the Viking world, without romanticizing or sanitizing the past.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

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

If the word “Viking” conjures for you a braided warrior raiding a village in the north of Europe, you're not exactly wrong. But there's a lot more to the story.

In this week's Yuletide Special, Dan and Mags are joined by Prof. Terry Gunnell, a highly regarded researcher in folk legends, as he tells us everything there is to know about the festively mythical Wild Hunt.------------------------------------------------Follow Terry on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gunnell_terryFollow 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.

In The Saga of the Earls of Orkney (Birlinn, 2025), Professor Judith Jesch presents a fascinating history of the Earldom of Orkney, which was established in the Viking Age, records the adventures, feuds and battles of powerful Norsemen during its first three centuries. The medieval earls of Orkney owed allegiance to the kings of Norway but their influence ranged from Britain and Ireland to Sweden and Russia, and they travelled as far as Narbonne, Crete and Jerusalem. Advised by bishops and formidable women, they and their henchmen jockeyed for power with each other and with neighbouring rulers in Scotland, often with murderous outcomes. In between the high politics and violence, the world of the earls was one of piety, poetry and feasting. The Saga also provides rare glimpses of culture and everyday life in northern Scotland when it was central to the Viking diaspora. Set in a recognisable landscape, it mentions features, sites and even buildings that can still be seen today. This new translation of the manuscripts of the Saga uses an innovative approach to presenting medieval sources to non-specialist audiences, highlighting textual variations that affect its interpretation. It also reflects saga style and language more closely than previous translations and is ideal for both research and reading aloud. This is an essential, detailed and up-to-date resource for academics and general readers who wish to know more about Viking and Norse Scotland. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In The Saga of the Earls of Orkney (Birlinn, 2025), Professor Judith Jesch presents a fascinating history of the Earldom of Orkney, which was established in the Viking Age, records the adventures, feuds and battles of powerful Norsemen during its first three centuries. The medieval earls of Orkney owed allegiance to the kings of Norway but their influence ranged from Britain and Ireland to Sweden and Russia, and they travelled as far as Narbonne, Crete and Jerusalem. Advised by bishops and formidable women, they and their henchmen jockeyed for power with each other and with neighbouring rulers in Scotland, often with murderous outcomes. In between the high politics and violence, the world of the earls was one of piety, poetry and feasting. The Saga also provides rare glimpses of culture and everyday life in northern Scotland when it was central to the Viking diaspora. Set in a recognisable landscape, it mentions features, sites and even buildings that can still be seen today. This new translation of the manuscripts of the Saga uses an innovative approach to presenting medieval sources to non-specialist audiences, highlighting textual variations that affect its interpretation. It also reflects saga style and language more closely than previous translations and is ideal for both research and reading aloud. This is an essential, detailed and up-to-date resource for academics and general readers who wish to know more about Viking and Norse Scotland. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

In The Saga of the Earls of Orkney (Birlinn, 2025), Professor Judith Jesch presents a fascinating history of the Earldom of Orkney, which was established in the Viking Age, records the adventures, feuds and battles of powerful Norsemen during its first three centuries. The medieval earls of Orkney owed allegiance to the kings of Norway but their influence ranged from Britain and Ireland to Sweden and Russia, and they travelled as far as Narbonne, Crete and Jerusalem. Advised by bishops and formidable women, they and their henchmen jockeyed for power with each other and with neighbouring rulers in Scotland, often with murderous outcomes. In between the high politics and violence, the world of the earls was one of piety, poetry and feasting. The Saga also provides rare glimpses of culture and everyday life in northern Scotland when it was central to the Viking diaspora. Set in a recognisable landscape, it mentions features, sites and even buildings that can still be seen today. This new translation of the manuscripts of the Saga uses an innovative approach to presenting medieval sources to non-specialist audiences, highlighting textual variations that affect its interpretation. It also reflects saga style and language more closely than previous translations and is ideal for both research and reading aloud. This is an essential, detailed and up-to-date resource for academics and general readers who wish to know more about Viking and Norse Scotland. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/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.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags sit down with Simon Trafford, Senior Lecturer in medieval history to dive into the topic of mead, how it's made, and the multiple purposes it was used for.------------------------------------------------Follow Simon on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/simonjptrafford.bsky.socialFollow 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.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags have a chat with Ema Tennås Rimstad. A Doctoral Fellow in Philology who has been researching the use of bind runes during the Middle Ages in Norway.------------------------------------------------Follow Ema on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/etrimstadFollow 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 fire rituals, the dead returning home, and Odin riding through the night sky have to do with heathen Yule? Do the old ways find their way into our modern day celebrations?In this special midwinter episode, archaeologist and professor Anders Kaliff returns to explore the ancient beliefs that shaped the holiday season long before Christianity arrived in Scandinavia. We talk about the myth of Odin's Hunt, the symbolism of Yule fires, and why midwinter was such a powerful and spiritual time for people in the Viking Age — and long before that.This episode also dives into Kaliff's latest book Odens jakt, and the deeper Indo-European roots behind ritual landscapes, ancestor traditions, and the seasonal rhythms that still echo through Christmas today.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

In this week's episode, Dan is joined by the legendary composer for Heilung, Christopher Juul, to take us through his process of how he makes music.------------------------------------------------Follow Heilung on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/amplifiedhistoryAnd follow Christopher on his personal Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/christopher_juulFollow 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.

Ep 271 is loose! And we're heading way back to the time of the Vikings for a few tales of adventure, of bloody feuds and very bad bargaining...What do you REALLY know about the Vikings? Who was Gunnhildr, Mother of Kings? And why you should never trust a Viking travel brochure...The secret ingredient is...Norway!Thanks again to Villains Rum for their help with one of this week's drinks!Get cocktails, poisoning stories and historical true crime tales every week by following and subscribing to The Poisoners' Cabinet wherever you get your podcasts. Find us and our cocktails at www.thepoisonerscabinet.com Join us Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepoisonerscabinetFind us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoisonerscabinetFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoisonerscabinet/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePoisonersCabinetListen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoisonersCabinetSources this week include:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenlandic_Inuithttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86thelred_the_Unready#Conflict_with_the_Daneshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GunnhildMotherof_Kingshttps://thevikingherald.com/article/gunnhildr-gormsdottir-mother-to-kings-in-norse-sagas/941https://www.historyanswers.co.uk/medieval-renaissance/8-haunted-castles-you-need-to-visit-in-this-life-or-the-next/https://thevikingherald.com/article/new-research-unveils-the-mastermind-behind-denmark-s-iconic-jelling-runestone/686 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan is joined by Liam Waters to discuss Cursed Swords and the mythology surrounding these fascinating weapons.------------------------------------------------Follow Liam on X (Twitter):https://x.com/liamh2osFollow 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 month's smut episode, Dan, Mags and Clair return to the wild and raunchy tale that is The Skuldner.------------------------------------------------Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LJbJ6nM_1MoFollow Clare on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/clareifyFollow 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.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags sit down with archaeologist Roderick Dale to tell us about his research into Berserkers and Ulfhednar.------------------------------------------------Pick up Rodrick's book:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Realities-Berserkr-Studies-Medieval-History/dp/0367Follow 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.

Who were the Vikings' ancient ancestors? In this episode Tristan Hughes explores the fascinating maritime culture, sophisticated trade networks and social hierarchies of the Nordic Bronze Age c. 1800–700 BC. Joined by Professor Johan Ling, they shed light on how proto-Viking societies of ancient Scandinavia imported essential metals, crafted stunning rock art using bronze tools and operated complex trade routes extending to Britain, Iberia and beyond. Enigmatic religious practices and the pivotal role played by elite kinship networks are brought to life through remarkable archaeological finds such as horned helmets and a golden sun chariot to reveal the remarkable complex societies that preceded the Viking Age.MOREThe Bronze Age CollapseMycenae: Cradle of Bronze Age GreecePresented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags are joined by Carolyne Larrington and Cat Jarman. Two beacons in their own fields within Norse mythology and history, who are here to regale us with the legends of the Valkyrie.------------------------------------------------Follow Cat on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/catjarmanFollow 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.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags chat with Michaela Maass, AKA Sweden's Strongest Valkyrie, as she tells her tales of her journey to becoming the inspiring athlete she is known as today.------------------------------------------------Follow Michaela on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unknownudieFollow 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.

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.

3. Kievan Rus Assimilation and the Unsolved Mystery of the Salme Ships Eleanor Barraclough Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age In the east, Rurik and his company founded what became Kievan Rus, shifting their power base south from Novgorod (862) to Kiev. Although people of Norse heritage controlled the area initially, they were a minority who mastered cultural assimilation with Slavic groups. Norse names like Ingvar and Helga became Slavicized as Igor and Olga, demonstrating extensive cultural mixing. The text also covers the mystery of the Salme ships in Estonia, recently discovered. These two ship burials, dated around 750 AD and predating Lindisfarne, contained the remains of dozens of high-status individuals from Sweden who died violently, likely on a diplomatic mission. One leader was buried with the king piece of the popular board game Hnefatafl placed in his mouth—an intentional act of storytelling.

. Reliquaries, Status Seeking, and Rune Amulets Against Dwarves Eleanor Barraclough Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age The discussion moves to reliquaries, originally used in a Christian context, such as at Lindisfarne, to house saints' relics. Norse raiders prized the metal and decoration, discarded the relics, and brought them back to Norway, often gifting them to women. These items were passed down through female generations or repurposed as brooches, suggesting that early raids were often masculine activities focused on acquiring wealth and status necessary for young men to secure a wife and establish a home. Pre-Christian belief systems involved protective runes and amulets against malevolence caused by supernatural beings such as elves or dwarves. A human skull fragment from Geber, Denmark, dating to the early eighth century, was carved with runes, possibly intended to guard against sickness caused by dwarves. 1919

5. Creation, Ragnarok, and the Cautionary Tale of Post-Conversion Norse Mythology Eleanor Barraclough Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age Accessing Norse belief systems requires caution because the main textual sources, such as the Prose and Poetic Eddas, were written in the thirteenth century in Iceland, after the conversion to Christianity. Snorri Sturluson, a poet and politician murdered in thirteenth-century Iceland, composed the Prose Edda as a handbook to preserve the myths. Norse creation mythology describes life beginning in Ginungagap, the eternal void where the fire world (Muspel) met the ice world (Niflheim), forming the primordial ice giant Ymir. The mythological destruction, Ragnarok (the doom of the gods), involves the fire giant Surtr and Loki arriving on Naglfar, a ship terrifyingly constructed from the fingernails of dead people. 1920

6. Kerið Cave: Offerings to the Fire Giant in Iceland's Liminal Space Eleanor Barraclough Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age A recent discovery in Iceland is Kerið cave, a lava tube associated with the fire giant Surtr, formed by a volcanic eruption around 900 AD. Deep inside, archaeologists found a massive built wall, unburned animal bones, and stones arranged in the outline of a boat. Within the boat, offerings related to fire—ornaments, jasper, and burned bones—were left, likely intended to placate the fire being dwelling further within, possibly responsible for the volcanic activity. This site represents a liminal space, a meeting point between the physical world and the mythological worlds of fire and ice. After Iceland's official Christian conversion around 1000 AD, a metal cross was left as the final offering, seemingly closing off the pagan practice

7. Defining the End: 1066, Harold Hardrada, and the Battle of Largs Eleanor Barraclough Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age The ending of the Viking Age is explored through political shifts. The year 1066 AD is conventionally used as the endpoint, marking the death of Harold Hardrada, King of Norway, at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Hardrada, a larger-than-life figure who had served the Byzantine emperor, based his English claim on Cnut's North Sea Empire. William of Normandy, who triumphed shortly thereafter, was of culturally assimilated Norse descent—Norman means Northmen. However, 1066 is Anglocentric. A later marker is the 1263 Battle of Largs, where conflict between King Hákon of Norway and King Alexander III of Scotland over the Western Isles ended with Hákon's death. This effectively ended Norway's political control in the region, although Norse culture persisted. 1920 John Carter on Mars

8. Greenland's Final Days: The Mystery of Herjolfsnes and the Fifteenth-Century End Eleanor Barraclough Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age The final chapter focuses on the end of Norse settlement in Greenland, begun by Eric the Red around 985 AD. Herjolfsnes, one of the last settlements, preserved the clothes and bodies of the final generations in its graveyard, dating into the early fifteenth century. The garments were patched, coarse woolen pieces reflecting the declining status and isolation caused partly by climate change. One woman's dress tore when she was buried—a poignant detail. The Norse interacted with the Inuit, who may have carved figures depicting Norse dress. The final reports include a man burned for seducing a married woman through witchcraft in 1407 and a wedding in 1408. The ultimate fate of the last few inhabitants remains an unsolved mystery. 1949

Dr. Eleanor Janega gets chummy with the gods of Norse Mythology. She's joined by Professor Carolyne Larrington to explore Odin's quest for wisdom and the heart-wrenching trials he undergoes; Loki's shapeshifting exploits, and the tragic saga of Baldr orchestrated by the wise but fallible Frigg. Through tales of divine intrigue, sacrifice, and cosmic wonder, discover how these myths reflect human nature and societal values.MOREThe Viking Age: what new discoveries revealGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega, King Gilfi is played by Eric Nolan. Audio editor is Amy Haddow, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barraclough interprets objects like reliquaries, initially used in Christian contexts to house relics. Norse raiders took these back to Norway, valuing the metal and jewels while often discarding the relics inside. These reliquaries were given as presents to women and passed down female generations, suggesting early raids were motivated by young men seeking wealth and status to attract wives and set up farmsteads. The conversation also covers pre-Christian belief systems, specifically a piece of human skull found in Denmark (Ribe, early 8th century) with runes carved on it. This object may have been an amulet intended to protect against malevolent supernatural beings like dwarves or elves, which were believed to cause sickness. 1904 VIKING AGE

The segment explores different endpoints of the Viking Age. 1066 AD is often cited, but this is Anglocentric. That year saw Harald Hardrada, King of Norway (whose claim descended from Cnut's North Sea Empire), killed by Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Normans (Northmen) like William were culturally assimilated Vikings, meaning Vikings were effectively fighting Vikings. A later ending point is the 1263 AD Battle of Largs, a series of skirmishes between King Hákon of Norway and King Alexander III of Scotland over control of the Norse-inflected Western Isles. Hákon's subsequent death in Orkney led to Norwayrelinquishing the Isles to Scotland. 1893 

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.

Preview: The Viking Age (750-1100 AD) saw Norse raiders transform into farmers. The Great Heathen Army arrived around 865 as mobile war bands. King Alfred the Great eventually achieved a stalemate with the Norse leader Guthrum. This led to an astonishing agreement (c. 878-880) establishing the Danelaw, giving the Norse legal control over vast areas like East Anglia and Yorkshire, confirmed by a linguistic imprint.